In 1954, WHO stated that, “there can be no true physical health without mental health"; however, mental health still remains a major concern around the world. Given the stigma associated with mental health, the challenge is greatly amplified in the Indian context.
While mental health is just as vital as physical health for maintaining one's wellbeing, not many understand the criticality of approaching professionals who are well qualified to deal with such ailments. The need of the hour is approachable and well trained mental health professionals who can help people navigate difficult life situations.
Psychologist and Career Practitioner, Mansi Shah, Founder, Bloom Mantra is one such professional. Driven by the belief that practicing therapy is not just a science but also an art, Mansi understands the criticality of building a rapport with clients, staying non-judgmental and providing them a safe space. Undertaking this approach, the astute mental healthcare professional specializes in career education, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and life coaching. Working dedicatedly for her clients' well-being, Mansi is well equipped to helps clients with a number of mental health issues including trauma, grief, stress, addiction, anxiety, career guidance, and many other major life changes. Mansi has also authored a book on career education along with her co-author Colin McOwan OAM. As the name of her venture Bloom Mantra suggests, she assists people in establishing their own mantras for creating a fulfilling life.
The Women Entrepreneur team spoke to Mansi Shah and learnt about her contribution towards improving the mental health of the country and its people.
Introduce us to Bloom Mantra. Tell us about your areas of expertise as a psychologist
Bloom Mantra in a psychological and career counselling centre that also renders to online as well as in person clients. We cater to clients of all ages; a majority seek help for anxiety, stress, learning difficulties, relationship issues, career planning, and other mental health issues. Despite the fact that we are based in Vadodara, Gujarat, we have clients from all across India, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Indore, as well as from across the globe from countries like Dubai, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Germany, Colombia, USA, Georgia etc.
As a psychologist, I specialise in CBT and REBT as a therapy and follow a school cognitive and behaviourism. My forte also lies in setting up a centre, having system in place and in building resources. My experience also includes working as a career counsellor and assisting individuals in planning their career paths.
Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What drew you towards developing expertise in the education management industry?
I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in clinical psychology, as well as specialization in career education training from Australia. I began my career as a school counsellor, dealing with students of diverse ages and educational levels. Working with various schools in Ahmedabad and Mumbai provided me with the requisite know-how of setting up a counselling centre.
In 2007-08 when I started my career, `school counsellors' was not a common concept. I was the first one to set up the system in most schools. Working with teenagers who were about to embark on their career journey also helped me understand that we don't undertake a holistic approach to career counselling or guidance. An aptitude test or a computer assessment is insufficient to predict a child's future, and this prompted me to investigate how other OECD countries approach career education in a holistic manner that involves all stakeholders, which I found very intriguing, and thus I began my journey in career guidance/counselling.
Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey. What was the motivation behind establishing Bloom Mantra? What are some of the most challenging aspects of leading the company? How do you overcome them?
So far, my entrepreneurial journey has been amazing. It took a long time for me to realise that I am capable of establishing my own practise and centre. I was motivated to launch Bloom Mantra after realising that I would be able to practise holistic career education and counselling with creative freedom. I was also compelled by the fact that Bloom mantra could also serve as a springboard for raising mental health awareness.
One of the toughest challenges I encounter as a mental health professional is raising awareness and de-stigmatizing mental illness. Also, unlike other health care providers, you can only see a certain number of clients per day, which can be financially draining. Mental health is still not covered by insurance, which can make customers feel out of pocket. People often wonder why you charge for talking when one can discuss their problems/issues with a friend for free. It can be tough to convince people that therapy is more than simply talking; there is science behind it.
Tell us about some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved. How do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring within your respective industry?
The opportunity to learn a new and holistic approach to career counselling was a key development in my career. I co-authored a book on how to practise career education in various contexts with Colin McCowan OAM, and I also wrote a workbook for practitioners. Moving from a smaller to a larger office space for Bloom Mantra was also a significant milestone. Also seeing how I can make a difference in my clients life has always been a motivator and each client has played a pivotal role in shaping my life.
Talking about keeping myself updated, as a psychologist and career practitioner, I have to read a lot and keep up with current events. I make it a point to upgrade my skills on a regular basis because dealing with human behavior necessitates evolving one's skills. And that means my work calendar does not only include therapy sessions with clients but also includes allotted time for continuous reading and attending seminars and conferences to help me upgrade my skills.
What would you advice women aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?
I would like to remind all the women that anything you perceive and conceive can be achieved. There is nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals. I am a mother to a ten year old kid, and I believe that being a mother, a daughter, a wife, a daughter-in-law, and so on has been a strength rather than a weakness for me. I recall my first day at work, when I had to do everything from mopping to setting up the room, and that is what has prepared me for today. So take advantage of whatever opportunity you have, learn new skills, and remember that no task is small.
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