Today we’d like to introduce you to India Gardner.
India, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was seven years old when I first felt the spark of my calling. One night, I looked up and saw a comet streaking across the sky—a breathtaking moment that whispered to me: your purpose is to help others heal. That vision became my guiding light, though I didn’t know then how much I would need it.
Several years ago, while halfway through my master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. In an instant, everything changed. I was left navigating a new reality shaped by multiple invisible disabilities. It was overwhelming, disorienting, and at times, heartbreaking.
Therapy became my lifeline. It was in those sessions that I found strength, courage, and hope. Therapy helped me process my grief, embrace my new normal, and rediscover my sense of purpose. That experience didn’t just heal me—it inspired me to pay it forward. I wanted to create a space where others could find the same affirmation and empowerment I had experienced.
Today, that dream is a reality. I earned my master’s degree, became a Licensed Professional Counselor, and founded Couch Conversations and Consulting, PLLC—a fully virtual counseling practice dedicated to providing compassionate, collaborative mental health care. Virtual therapy isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity for many, including myself. My own health challenges make commuting and managing environmental triggers difficult, so I designed a practice that works for me and for clients who need accessible, adaptable care.
Every day, I’m reminded why I do this work. Couch Conversations is more than a business—it’s a mission. It’s about emphasizing abilities, creating representation, and offering hope. One conversation at a time, I help clients navigate their own “new normal,” just as I once did. And that, to me, is the greatest joy of all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey taught me that resilience is not about avoiding storms—it’s about having the courage to stand ten toes down in the rain and endure until the sunshine comes afterwards.
Trauma and sudden change can feel like being dropped into a wilderness without a map. When life shakes you to the core, it forces you to question everything—your identity, your purpose, your future.
One of the hardest parts of my journey was losing the independence I had always taken for granted. Suddenly, everyday tasks that once felt effortless required help. Accepting that reality was humbling and, at times, heartbreaking. But it taught me something profound: strength isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about having the courage to ask for support and the resilience to keep moving forward when life looks different than you imagined.
Moreover what I learned: that wilderness can also be a place of profound self-discovery. It’s where you uncover strength you didn’t know you had, courage you didn’t think you could muster, and wisdom that shapes the rest of your life. Sometimes, the most powerful catalysts for growth come from the hardest circumstances. For me, therapy was that catalyst. It showed me that even the smallest spark of courage can ignite transformation.
I made a choice: fear would not define my future. I tapped into my inner strength, cultivated resilience, and built a path forward. As a TBI survivor, I learned acceptance, hope, and the power of embracing change. Those lessons became the foundation of my work as a therapist and in life in general.
That lesson shapes my pay it forward philosophy in therapy because I understand firsthand how vulnerable it feels to need help, and I know the bravery it takes to reach out. In my practice, I strive to create a space where clients feel safe to ask for what they need, without shame or fear. Therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s about empowerment. It’s about discovering that even in moments of loss, you can build new paths to independence, confidence, and hope. My goal is to walk alongside clients as they uncover their own strength and resilience—because sometimes, the most powerful transformation begins with the simple act of saying, “I need help.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Couch Conversations and Consulting, PLLC, I believe therapy should be a safe, empowering, and deeply personalized experience. My mission is simple: to serve the community by helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion, creativity, and care—one conversation at a time.
I specialize in providing high-quality, comprehensive, and individualized mental health services through a fully virtual platform. This approach not only makes therapy more accessible for clients with disabilities or those who prefer the comfort of home, but it also allows me to create an environment tailored for both client and therapist well-being.
What sets Couch Conversations apart? My holistic and human-centered approach. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I integrate each client’s unique life tapestry—their experiences, worldview, and identity—into the therapeutic process. My areas of focus include traumatic brain injuries and concussions, disability and chronic pain, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mood and personality disorders, depression, burnout, relationship issues, and life transitions.
My therapeutic style is eclectic, blending evidence-based modalities like CBT and DBT with creativity, cultural relevance, and relatability. I even incorporate elements such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and mixed-media tools to make therapy feel approachable and authentic. My signature “remixed” approach combines practical strategies with insight-building techniques, encouraging clients to apply what they learn beyond the therapy room.
I am especially passionate about creating safe spaces for BIPOC clients, helping them feel heard, valued, and free to express their authenticity. Representation matters, and I aim to break barriers by showing that therapy can be affirming, empowering, and culturally responsive.
At Couch Conversations, I’m proud to be more offer accessible, inclusive, and transformative mental health care. If you’re ready to embrace growth, healing, and restoration, I’m here to walk that journey with you.
“Your story matters. Your healing matters. And together, I can create a path forward—one conversation at a time.”
Any big plans?
The journey doesn’t stop here. My vision for the future is to continue growing Couch Conversations and Consulting into a space that redefines accessibility and inclusivity in mental health care. I’m developing a virtual signature mental health program that will elevate the services I offer. This program will integrate my unique style, innovative therapeutic approaches, practical tools, and creative strategies to help clients not only heal but thrive. It’s about going beyond traditional therapy and creating a holistic experience that fosters growth, resilience, and empowerment.
I’m committed to making this vision a reality—one conversation, one program, and one innovative step at a time.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
I own all photos
