Dr. Shai C (Shalini Chuganee) | Emotionologist & Therapist

Dr. Shai C

Dr. Shai C (Dr. Shalini S. Chuganee) is an Emotionologist, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) and Relationship Specialist with more than 4,000 hours of clinical and coaching experience in trauma recovery, relationship therapy, emotional intelligence and perimenopause and menopause support. A PhD Candidate in Clinical Sexology (Class of 2027) at the Modern Sex Therapy Institute, Dr. Shai C holds a Master of Arts in Political Science & Political Management from George Washington University and advanced clinical certifications from New York University and LIU Brooklyn. Through Shai C Consultancy, Dr. Shai C helps individuals, couples and families heal trauma, unlearn harmful patterns and build stronger relationships. Author of “Love That Was Meant for Me” and featured in Vogue India and YourStory.

54 articles published

When Trust Breaks: A Deeper Story of Healing

When Trust Breaks: The Deeper Story Behind Love That Was Meant for Me

Relationships & CouplesApril 24, 2026168Views 0Likes 0Comments

In New York City, relationships move quickly. Careers accelerate. Social circles expand. Dating apps create endless options. But when trust breaks, everything slows down. I have worked with clients across NYC and the USA who describe betrayal as a moment where time split into “before” and “after.” Before the discovery. After the discovery. Before the…

Solo Dining & Self-Respect: Why Taking Yourself Out Is a Radical Act of Confidence

Self-Love & Self-WorthApril 17, 2026139Views 0Likes 0Comments

In New York City, restaurants are rarely just about food. They are about status, romance, connection, networking. Tables are full. Laughter spills into the street. Reservations are hard to get. And yet, one of the most transformative acts I encourage my clients to practice is this: Take yourself out to dinner. Alone. Not because you…

International Women’s Day: The Power of Emotional Independence in Modern Women

Women’s Wellness & EmpowermentApril 10, 2026154Views 0Likes 0Comments

In New York City, strength is visible. Women lead boardrooms, launch businesses, build movements, and raise families, often all at once. Independence is celebrated here. Achievement is admired. But on International Women’s Day, I want to speak about a quieter form of power. Emotional independence. As someone who works in Relationship therapy and Trauma therapy…

Breaking Emotional Patterns in Relationships

Breaking Emotional Patterns: 5 Signs You’re Repeating the Same Relationship Cycle

Relationships & CouplesApril 3, 2026143Views 0Likes 0Comments

In New York City, relationships begin quickly. Chemistry sparks over coffee in SoHo. Conversations stretch past midnight in the West Village. Everything feels new — until it doesn’t. Then one day, a familiar thought appears: “Why does this always happen to me?” Different partner. Same ending. As someone who provides Relationship therapy and Trauma therapy…

Love Deeply Without Losing Yourself | Shai C

You Can Love Deeply Without Losing Yourself — A Core Truth from Love That Was Meant for Me

Self-Love & Self-WorthMarch 25, 2026453Views 0Likes 0Comments

Love is usually extreme by default in the city of New York. It is quick, emotions are intense, and relationships may feel devouring before they stabilize. Most individuals approach me believing that depth in love means sacrifice—that to love deeply, you must bend, adjust, or slowly disappear. This is one of the most harmful myths…

Invisible Emotional Labour Women Carry | Shai C

The Invisible Emotional Labour Women Carry Every Day

Women’s Wellness & EmpowermentMarch 18, 2026152Views 0Likes 0Comments

Women in New York City usually receive applause that they are doing it all. Our careers, relationships, families, friendships, and emotional ecosystems are highly competently managed. Outwardly, it appears to be a strength. On the inside, it can often be a form of silent weariness. A lot of this weariness is the result of work…

The Emotional Cost of Being the Capable One | Shai C

The Emotional Cost of Always Being the “Capable One”

Emotional WellnessMarch 11, 2026196Views 0Likes 0Comments

Competence is applauded in New York City. Being dependable, tough, emotionally controlled, and well put together is often seen as maturity. Most of the individuals I work with are respected because they manage life well. They are the ones others rely on. The people who handle crises and still appear unshaken. And yet, they are…

How Rewriting Your Inner Narrative Changes the Way You Love — From Love That Was Meant for Me

Personal Growth & Emotional IntelligenceMarch 4, 2026149Views 0Likes 0Comments

Love in New York City is very fast. The connection and disconnection aspects are fast, and people tend to fault the time, the compatibility, or the situation when relationships fail. However, in my work, through NYC, USA, and other places, I have learned that timing is seldom the problem in an actual relationship. They fight…

Why Self-Love Feels Uncomfortable | Shai C

Why Self-Love Feels Uncomfortable Before It Feels Empowering – Lessons from Love That Was Meant for Me

Self-Love & Self-WorthFebruary 20, 2026153Views 0Likes 0Comments

Self-love in New York City is a topic of conversation as though it were a way of life—something to make a decision and follow it through. We are also advised to draw limits, select ourselves, leave, shine up, and move. But what I am observing in my labor informs me quite to the contrary. Self-love…

After the Spotlight: Women & Global Recognition

International Women’s Global Platforms: Who Do We Become After the Spotlight?

Women’s Wellness & EmpowermentFebruary 12, 2026141Views 0Likes 0Comments

Organizations like International Women Day are effective. They confirm narratives that were once suppressed, raise voices that were once unheard, and grant long-neglected journeys the recognition they deserve for resilience, courage, and contribution. I have stood on a few of these platforms - internationally, publicly, and visibly - and I have profound respect for what…

What No One Tells You About Healing After Emotional Trauma – Insights from Love That Was Meant for Me

Trauma & HealingFebruary 6, 2026107Views 0Likes 0Comments

Healing is a phenomenon that is commonly given as a breakthrough moment in New York City. A realization. A decision. A new beginning where everything turns out to be lighter. However, in the treatment room, the treatment does not appear like that. It looks quiet. It looks uneven. And in more cases than in others,…

Women Can Create Magic: Jalandhar Book Launch Reflections

Books & Author InsightsJanuary 27, 2026186Views 0Likes 0Comments

Something is strong when women come together without competition. Listening rather than proving. Observing rather than making comparisons. Healing rather than performance. This fact was realised to me in Jalandhar, as Love That Was Meant for Me was first presented in Punjab, and it happened in The Bookworms, which is a women-run book club that…

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