“By managing expectations, you can reduce sadness in your life’ – Panini Deraje

As a theatre artist, I’ve delved deep into the spectrum of human emotions, understanding their nuances and intensity. This journey has equipped me with profound insights into the human psyche, allowing me to empathize and connect with individuals on a profound level.

My experience extends beyond the stage. Through conducting theatre workshops for both children and adults, I’ve encountered a myriad of emotional needs and mental challenges that impact our social relationships. This exposure has fortified my understanding of fostering healthy connections and addressing emotional struggles effectively.

Music has been my solace and companion throughout life’s journey. It’s not merely entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for healing and transformation. Drawing upon the therapeutic aspects of music, I’ve conducted numerous workshops alongside mental health professionals, offering participants avenues for self-expression, healing, and growth.

In addition to my artistic pursuits, I hold qualifications in mental health and counseling, life skills, suicide prevention, non-suicidal self-injury prevention, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and music therapy. My internship at St. Mary’s Hospital, Mysore, specializing in psychiatric de-addiction and rehabilitation, further solidified my commitment to supporting individuals on their path to wellness.

I approach every client with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental outlook. By integrating my background in theatre and music with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I strive to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore, heal, and thrive.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

“When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” – Fred Rogers

Since childhood, I have been fascinated with the intricacy of the human mind and behaviors. After a successful stint of over 5 years in the corporate, I embarked on a path to provide counselling and therapy to people who needed emotional support. With this vision, I have founded my institute – Mental Health Academy India (MHAI) to provide training on mental health to spread awareness and break the social stigma around it.

With over 200 hours+ of counselling experience (direct and in-assistance) to various age group clients – parents, teachers, students, teenagers and adults I have learnt that each individual is unique and has their own set of experiences. I believe the “One-size-fits- all” approach doesn’t work. Hence, I focus on formulating an integrative approach to individual needs. I mainly work around issues relating to anxiety, depression, OCD, stress, self esteem, anger, marriage/relationship counselling, career guidance and grief counselling.

I aim to provide a safe space for you to be yourself and feel heard. I hope you benefit immensely from the therapy and thank you for choosing to seek help. .

“When a person’s down in the world, I think an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton

I discovered after working in corporate for almost a decade that, although being brilliant at what I did, I didn’t enjoy it. Questions like, “Am I fit for this field?” Is this what I’m enthusiastic about? I then took a break from work to reflect and realised that I had always been interested in working in the field of psychology and mental health.

I then completely changed my direction and went into the field of counselling, earning my diploma in counselling skills. I have provided counselling to kids, teens, and adults who have been struggling with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, relationship or marriage concerns, academic difficulties, problems with their self-image and self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, etc.

I have worked with the homeless, transgender community, people with substance dependence, police officers, students and cancer hospices. I have developed a wide range of experience and increased my degree of knowledge along this journey.

Ask for help not because you are weak, but because you want to remain strong – Les Brown

“Awareness is the greatest agent for change” – Eckhart Tolle

As the saying goes, I believe that self-awareness is the greatest agent for change. Having more than a decade of experience in the mental health field, my passion and mission is to make mental health a primary priority in everyone’s life. Having a master’s degree in Child Psychology and being a certified counselor and a Life Skills coach, I have worked with diverse clients. I have had the experience of working with rehabilitation residents, transgenders, women with domestic violence and individuals with anxiety and depression. I incorporate CBT in my sessions and have an eclectic approach to give maximum benefit to my clients. I am here to offer unconditional emotional support and be with you through your personal journey.