As someone with a medical and mindfulness-based psychological background, I am dedicated to assisting individuals through their mental health journey. I am a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry Department of the University of Washington, Seattle. My approach involves utilizing Inquiry, a technique that helps identify and resolve psychological difficulties.
Having practiced medicine in England and India for over a decade, I thoroughly understand the interplay between physical health and mental well-being. This holistic perspective is especially appealing to those interested in overall wellness.
For the past 18 years, I have worked with diverse individuals in a mental health clinic, including 12 years as its director. This has given me valuable insight into how psychological stress can affect performance, particularly among young professionals.
I am passionate about helping individuals and couples who struggle with cross-cultural relationship issues and general mental wellness concerns. Additionally, I enjoy guiding young adults who may feel lost or directionless, empowering them to find their path.
Spiritual understanding can significantly improve our psychological well-being. By incorporating mental, physical, and spiritual health, I offer a comprehensive approach to mental wellness that resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding.
Swayam Prabha
The name “Swayam Prabha” is in honor of my mother who left us at the young age of 55. I felt her name would be fitting for a psychotherapy practice, and the meanings embedded in it hold a great significance to the work I do.
In the ancient language of Sanskrit, “Swayam” translates to “self-reliant,” “independent,” or “autonomous”. It’s typically used to refer to an inherent self-sufficiency, suggesting something that is innately self-sustaining and doesn’t need external aid or intervention.
“Prabha”, in contrast, is often used to describe a radiance or glow emanating from an object or person. It can depict the brilliance of a gemstone, the luster of a metal, or the brightness of a flame.
Therefore, when combined, the name “Swayam Prabha” stands for powerful qualities like self-reliance, independence, and an inner glow. These are the qualities I strive to nurture and cultivate in my therapy practice.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Professional Background & Experience
Employment | |
| 2013 April – Current: Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Private Practice. 2014 June – Current: Clinical Asst. Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 2001 June – 2013 April. Director, Mental Health Clinic, Hall Health Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 2001-2014 – Clinical Instructor, Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 1994 – 2001: Mental Health Practitioner, Mental Health Clinic, University of Washington. 1991-1992: Registrar, Royal Free Hospital, University of London, U.K. 1986-1991: Clinical Research Fellow, Royal Free Hospital. 1984-1985: Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, Jipmer Hospital, Pondicherry, India. | |
| 2008-2009: University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Certificate in Medical Management. 1992 – 1994: Antioch University, Seattle, WA. Masters in Psychology. 1989-1992: Metanoia Psychotherapy Training Institute, London, UK. Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. 1977-1983: Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (M.B.B.S.), J.I.P.M.E.R., Madras University, India. | |
| Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor – 020703 LH00004449. General Medical Council, U.K. Indian Medical Association | |
| Professional Member of the American College Health Association. Member of Puget Sound Group Psychotherapy Association. | |
| Member – President’s Staff Forum, University of Washington (1998-1999). Reviewer – Idea.Net. A web-based, idea-sharing network created by the President’s Staff Forum (1998-2001). Trust Member – Northwest Vipassana Foundation – a non-profit agency (2000-2002). Board Member – Antioch University, Seattle (2003-06). Antioch University, Seattle –Continuing Education advisory board member. (2007-2009) Antioch University, Seattle – Member, Board of Trustees. (2009- 2012) Board Member & Chair of Program Comm. – Puget Sound Group Psychotherapy Network. (2013- 2014) Board Member – University of Washington Retirement Association. (2015- 2017) | |
| Award of Appreciation for outstanding work as a trainer – Crisis Clinic, Seattle, WA. 1996. Distinguished alumni award – Antioch University Seattle – 2003. | |
| Kim, E. H., Coumar, A., Lober, W. B., and Kim, Y. (2011). “Addressing the mental health epidemic among university students via web-based, self-screening, and referral system: a preliminary study.” IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine 15(2): 301-7. Kim, E. H., Linker, D. T., Coumar, A., Dean, L. S., Matsen, F. A., and Kim, Y. (2011). “Factors affecting acceptance of a web-based self-referral system.” IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine 15(2): 344-347. Chapter in “Buddhist Thought and Applied Psychological Research: Transcending the Boundaries,” Routledge Curzon. 2006. Chapter in “Obesity in Diabetes & its Management,” in Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications. Macmillan Press. 1993. Coumar, A., Mikhailidis, D. P. (1992). Weight gain and smoking cessation – is there a solution? Journal of Smoking-Related Disorder (Editorial), 3(2), 97-98. Gill, J., Mikhailidis, D. P, Coumar, A., Jeremy, J. Y. (1992). Calcium uptake by platelets from type-1 diabetic patients with no vascular complications. Platelets, 3(2), 112. Barradas, M. A., Desouza, V., Coumar, A., Dandona, P. (1991). Effect of glucose on blood platelet serotonin (5-HT). Diabetes. 40(supply. 1), 493-A. Coumar, A., Gill, J. K., Barradas, M. A., O’Donoghue, S., Jeremy, J. Y., Mikhailidis, D. P. (1991). The effect of treatment with Simvastatin on platelet function indices in hypercholesterolemia. Journal of Drug Development, 4(2), 79-86. Khokher, M. A., Coumar, A., Dandona, P. (1991). Na-KATPASE following a very low-calorie diet (V.L.C.D.) and ephedrine in obese patients. Diabetes, 40(supply. 1), 488-A. Munro, R., Power, J., Coumar, A., Nagarathna, R, Dandona, P. (1991). Yoga Therapy for NIDDM. Complementary Medical Research, 6(2), 66-68. Mikhailidis, D. P., Coumar, A., Gill, J., Jeremy, J. Y., O’Donoghue, S., Dandona, P. (1990). Platelet function and plasma fibrinogen concentrations following the administration of Simvastatin to hypercholesterolemia patients. European Heart Journal, 11(suppl.), 383. Ejim, O. S., Barradas, M. A., Mikhailidis, D. P., Poulter, L. W., Coumar, A, Dandona, P. (1989). A study of platelet Fibronectin immune-fluorescence in peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Microcirculation, Endothelium, and Lymphatics, 5, 373-390. Dandona, P., Coumar, A., Gill, D. S., Bell, J., Thomas, M. (1988). Sodium fluoride stimulates osteocalcin in normal subjects. Clinical Endocrinology, 29, 437-441. Ejim, O. S., Fonseca, V., Coumar, A., Mathur, S., Bell, J., Dandona, P. (1988). Fibronectin concentration in plasma of peripheral vascular disease. Clinical Chemistry, 34(12), 2426-2429. | |