Dr. Shalini Poddar’s journey unfolds as a remarkable testament to her dedication as a mental health activist, rooted in her upbringing in Kolkata within a modest business family. From an early age, she absorbed values of courage and compassion that would later shape her path towards advocating for marginalized voices in society.

At just 19, she  began her journey in social work by volunteering in a West Bengal slum, where she encountered firsthand the hardships faced by vulnerable children and victims of various forms of exploitation. This experience deeply moved her, igniting a passion to effect meaningful change in their lives.

Driven by this fervor, she  pursued higher education in psychology, earning her master’s degree and later a doctorate in clinical psychology from Kolkata University in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley. Her academic pursuits were not merely academic; they were guided by a desire to understand and address the intricate connections between mental health and broader societal issues, such as environmental influences on mental well-being.

Her career as a clinical psychologist in Kolkata’s hospitals further exposed her to the neglect and mistreatment often faced by individuals with mental illnesses within their families and communities. This injustice spurred her to delve deeper into both clinical practice and academic research, publishing papers in esteemed national and international journals and becoming a Visiting Professor at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Psychology and Research.

Her journey took a transformative turn during a period of personal introspection, where she grappled with her own emotional challenges. This inner exploration led her beyond conventional therapeutic approaches to embrace alternative healing modalities such as hypnotherapy, energy work, and family constellations. Through these practices, she unearthed profound insights into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, shaping her holistic approach to mental health care.

In 2012, she  founded Sprihaa—Centre for Psychological Wellness and Holistic Healing in Bangalore, India. Sprihaa stands not just as a clinical practice but as a sanctuary where individuals embark on profound inner journeys of healing and self-discovery. Here, she  introduced Adaptive Experiential Therapy, a unique approach tailored to each individual’s emotional needs through physical expression, fostering a sense of community and support among diverse individuals seeking solace and growth.

Beyond clinical practice, she has been a tireless advocate for mental health awareness and preventive wellness. Her community workshops and training programs have empowered countless individuals to take charge of their mental and emotional well-being, challenging societal norms and promoting a culture of compassion and understanding.

Her  impact extends far beyond her clinical practice and academic achievements; she has become a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of mental health. Her visionary leadership at Sprihaa has not only transformed how mental health is perceived and treated but has also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to healing in India and beyond. Through her advocacy and pioneering spirit, she  continues to inspire positive change and empower individuals to embrace holistic wellness on their journey towards inner peace and resilience.

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