Dr. Smriti Vallath (Ph.D.) identifies as she/her and is a cis woman, deeply aware of both her privileges and challenges. She embodies various parts of herself—intellectual, playful, mischievous, and deeply reflective—integrating them into her work and life.

An expert in trauma research and trauma-focused psychotherapy, Dr. Vallath has over 14 years of experience in mental health. She is trained in diverse trauma-focused approaches and is a queer-affirmative, strengths-based, and feedback-oriented practitioner. She has worked across varied demographics, integrating cultural nuances into mental health care.

Her research examines trauma’s manifestations within other psychopathologies and its impact on treatment and advocacy. She is particularly interested in how trauma appears in everyday life, with much of her work published in scholarly journals.

As a mental health entrepreneur, she founded CHI for Trauma and Wellbeing, implementing strategies to disrupt trauma’s progression and break the cycle. She also aims at creating systemic changes.

Outside work, she unwinds with Netflix or travels to scenic destinations—always with great food and company. She loves playing and believes wars would end, if people played more!