I started practicing as a counsellor in 2013 in Malaysia and moved to the UK in 2019. As a registered counsellor (BACP 00954738/382049) I also work as a mental health adviser for young adutls in higher education sector in the UK.
Prior to all this, I lived as a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka for twenty years and inherited a fair share of valuable life experiences from that chapter of my life. Growing up as monk, I received very traditional education which I later used to access formal education that included psychology and couselling. I left the monkhood to pursue worldly happiness of raising a family which I am enjoying at the moment.
Based on my work with people in the UK for the past three years, I am seeing my past personal and professional life experienes are blending to form a unique style of cousnelling. In this style, I find ways to improvise as we do back home so that I am able to help the person awaken themselves to utilise all the ingredients they bring into the sessions. The darker the materials, the more broken the pieces are... the better! Losses, betrayals, setbacks, hesitations, overthinking... all these are in my practice recycled into solid building materials that we are going to use for the collaborative rebuilding task ahead. As Yalom has said it is very hard for the grandma to explain how she made that stew so declicious. All we know is that she threw in some ingredients from time to time. I think counselling is like that.
But to leave you with some certainty... I would be a good fit for you if you are struggling to find purpose, motivation or direction in life. So this include career, education or even spirituality. I can also be useful in talking to if you are grieving or going through a dramatic change in life. I have also seen myself working effectively with people who have declared war on themselves. I am talking about lack of self-love, confidence or esteem. One more thing, as an ex-monk, I am no way a relationship expert. However, people who struggle in relationship domain also have benefited from my work (as individuals, not as couples though!).
Lastly, if you decided to come on board, that decision is going to improve my life as well. All the best wishes!
Professional experience
10 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Codependency, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Multicultural concerns, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Chandana Rathnayake . We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
These past few weeks have been an awful time for me, I decided to get a therapist at my lowest point (out of desperation) I’d definitely say that Chandana has helped me traverse the emotions I’m going through at this current time of my life. I can imagine it must be hard listening to people’s hardships when I’m sure therapists go through the exact same things in their own life’s, we are only human after all. But from my experience chadana takes in my thought process and helps me find ways to cope with what I’m going through. I surprisingly find myself looking forward to the sessions I have with him. Talking about how your feelings for me is hard and I’ve still got a while to go with self improvement and moving forward. But it’s nice to know that I’ve got his active support! A genuinely professional man that knows his stuff.
Written on Nov 25, 2025 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have been with Chandana for about a month now. I originally was matched with a different therapist and didn’t click with them, so after two weeks I switched to Chandana and on our very first session I felt deeply respected, and unconditionally heard. While he mostly listened, when he did talk, he showed a deep understanding of what I was trying to communicate. I feel that in therapy you need to instinctively feel cared for, and Chandana immediately let me feel that. Not in any type of fake way (since we had just met) but in a way that I trust he cares for every person he meets. This has made me feel safe in sessions. I highly recommend him if you need a therapist who makes you feel deeply understood and cared for.
Written on Nov 16, 2025 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Chandana has been vital for me in the progression of my thought process, confidence and mentality. He takes an open, understanding and conversational approach to our sessions and listens attentively. Are conversations are often challenging, but are always rewarding. He pushes me to consider any flaws in my current approach and often opens up avenues for me that I wasn't aware existed prior. A fantastic therapist that I could not recommend more.
Written on Dec 27, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 6 months on issues concerning intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Very helpful and understanding.
Written on Dec 07, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Excellent Therapist who offers new relevant advice in every session.
Written on Nov 02, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 1 year and 2 months
Amazing therapist, I’m very happy with the progress and I can highly recommend him.
Written on Oct 06, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coaching
Really understanding and helpful
Written on Sep 28, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Chandana is an insightful and supportive therapist. He is quick to offer constructive points of view while still challenging some of the statements or patterns of thought which have emerged over our meetings. Overall I would recommend him highly to anyone looking to dig a bit deeper into topics around self-image, esteem and acceptance
Written on Sep 22, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Chandana is really understanding with my situation and has been very helpful. He has offered me the opportunity to look at things from another perspective.
Written on Sep 15, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coaching
Extremely calm and understanding. He takes the time to listen and genuinely strives to understand your situation. Highly recommended!
Written on Jul 19, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
Chandana is very insightful and helpful. I have had 3 sessions so far and he really helps me understand things better. He also gives me helpful tips that aid me in resolving problems. I really like working with him.
Written on Jun 16, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Namal is excellent. Really great perspective, has been a significant amount of help to me.
Written on Jan 12, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 6 months on issues concerning addictions, family conflicts, and anger management
Chandana (Namal as I know him) is an extremely wise and kind therapist who’s knowledge of both Eastern and Western approaches makes him uniquely placed to help you with your problems. Can’t recommend him highly enough.
Written on Jan 09, 2024 after therapy with Chandana for 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
Great man with a lot of experience, have an interesting back ground story that you can learn a lot of.
Written on Dec 23, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Only had 2 sessions and I’m extremely grateful to be paired with some one I feel really listens and understands my needs and I will be continuing for many months with this process.
Written on Dec 17, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
He is an extremely understanding and respectful advisor. He mostly understands the situations that you explain to him and is willing to give you the most practical solutions to each issue.
Written on Oct 24, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Very attentive and helpful therapy. Right from the beginning Chandana was helpful and could identify what was going on. He did a great job of making me feel heard and also providing excellent insights into my problems, highly recommend.
Written on Oct 10, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning career difficulties, and coaching
I hope this review finds you well. Therapy hasn’t been an easy door for me to open having failed with others previously and my own reluctance to engage. I felt ‘better’ than it, as a health professional I know how absurd that sounds. I became increasingly overwhelmed and felt a lack of control that I needed to address. As a high achiever, I have high expectations for myself thus I knew I needed to process these changes and rise above. Conquer them in a safe environment which meditation, mindfulness and exercise was not sufficient for. All to deal with grief of losing a parent and discovering myself.
I was particular about the therapist I needed. Someone calm and understanding with experience of my culture and traditions. Within one conversation I was understood, validated and completely reassured I was in safe hands. I have been so effortlessly yet carefully guided through my difficulties with such an individualise approach I would recommend Chandana to anyone. He replies timely even out of hours, he never leaves me unheard or unnoticed. He recognises my pain and remains professional but empathetic. I finally have hope. This service and the user experience provides ease that removes obstacles some systems can add. Try it and give Chandana a chance to change your life as he has mine.
Written on Sep 02, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Very much appreciate my time spent with him. I believe i have made quite some progress and have learned to look at things differently which were in the past difficult
Written on Aug 08, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
An insightfull man with alot to offer even though we come from two different backgrounds. Im very happy with working with him.
Written on Jul 30, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and addictions
Namal is hidden gem. Much more than I ever expected in any therapist. The sessions started at a very challenging time for me personally and professionally and he has helped me immensely to navigate my way through it. Thank you so much!
Written on Mar 10, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
If you're a man or woman in need of an inteligent therapist who is willing to listen and help you shift your perspective on the challenges you're going through then, this might just be your best pick. He listens and helps in a way that no other therapist has been able to do.
Written on Feb 27, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, anger management, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
very helpful and professional
Written on Feb 18, 2023 after therapy with Chandana for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
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