A Passion for Understanding the Human Mind
For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by the human mind. What drives our emotions? How do past experiences shape who we become? Why do some people break under pressure while others rise above? These questions fascinated me and led me to pursue a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious institutions.

But knowledge alone wasn’t enough. I needed to see, feel, and experience the realities of mental health beyond textbooks. That realization led me to work in diverse mental health settings across public and private healthcare institutions. I met individuals battling silent wars – some unable to seek help due to stigma, others unaware that healing was even an option. These encounters reshaped my approach, reinforcing that mental health is deeply personal, requiring care, compassion, and a safe space to heal.

The Power of Awareness and Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. It wasn’t just a health crisis—it was a mental health catastrophe. I saw people drowning in anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty. I knew I had to step up.

I began delivering guest lectures, conducting awareness sessions, and leading open discussions on mental well-being, emotional resilience, and accessible mental health resources. These interactions revealed a painful truth—many people wanted help but were afraid of judgment.

It wasn’t the lack of solutions that kept them from healing; it was the fear of being labeled “weak.” This realization shook me. I knew I had to do more. I wanted to create a space where mental health conversations weren’t whispered in secrecy but spoken with courage.

Mentify Foundation: A Safe Haven for Mental Health
Determined to normalize mental health conversations, I founded Mentify Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and safe spaces for healing. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a community-driven movement, helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys with confidence.

At Mentify, we focus on:

• Peer support groups—because no one should suffer alone.
• Mental health workshops—to equip individuals with tools to heal.
• Breaking stigma—so seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness.

Through Mentify, I have witnessed people reclaim their lives, find hope, and believe in healing again.

Counselling as a Calling: Beyond Traditional Therapy
While counselling remains my core practice, I believe healing is multi-dimensional. I explored Reiki Healing and Tarot Card Reading, deepening my understanding of alternative healing methods. Not everyone resonates with the same approach, and as a counsellor, I strive to meet people where they are, integrating science and holistic well-being.

Why I Joined the ACA Student Community
Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Counselling at Monash University, Australia, an institution known for its client-focused approach and strong research foundation. Studying in a multicultural environment has broadened my perspective, allowing me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including international students, young professionals, and marginalized communities.

Becoming a student member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is an important milestone for me. The ACA stands for ethical excellence and professional growth, and as a student member, I look forward to:

• Learning from experienced mental health professionals
• Engaging in ethical discussions and practical training
• Contributing to a larger movement for accessible mental health care

I believe learning never stops. The ACA community gives me the chance to grow, collaborate, and give back to the field that has shaped me.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Change
My journey has been built on passion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that no one should suffer in silence. Whether in therapy rooms, classrooms, or public forums, my mission remains the same – to make mental health care more human, more accessible, and free from stigma.

To my fellow ACA student members, I am excited to connect, share, and grow together in this journey. Mental health isn’t just a profession – it’s a movement.

If my story resonates with you, let’s connect. Let’s talk, heal, and change lives – one conversation at a time.

Together, we can create a world where mental health is a priority, not an afterthought.