Shikha Shah - My Favourite Book Is 'The Power of Your Subconscious Mind' (Mental Health Counsellor From India)

This project is mainly aimed towards people who cannot afford or access face to face therapy sessions. We are a chat-based platform wherein our professionals provide basic forms of counselling so that client can deal with daily life stress. 

We do not intend to replace the effect of a face to face psychotherapy service but instead, we hope to provide short-term treatment that might be helpful.

Tell us about your background & journey.

I have acquired a diploma in Integrative Counselling, specialising in the fields of Robert Carkhuff's Counselling Model, Transactional Analysis, and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy. I have always been inclined towards the field of Mental Health, and I want to contribute as much as I can. 

Therefore, I started my journey by Co-founding The Blue Butterfly Project in the year 2020.



Elaborate more on The Butterfly Project & how did you go about it?

The Blue Butterfly Project, is an initiative that aims towards facilitating your potential growth. We have a group of certified counsellors and psychologists that provide mental health services such as listening and counselling free of cost. This project was Co-founded by me and Ayushi Jalan amidst the pandemic. Both of us noticed a rising number of people who felt like reaching out for help, but the pandemic made it difficult for in-person therapy sessions, and also for some of them there were financial restraints. 

This project is mainly aimed towards people who cannot afford or access face to face therapy sessions. We are a chat-based platform wherein our professionals provide basic forms of counselling so that client can deal with daily life stress. We do not intend to replace the effect of a face to face psychotherapy service but instead, we hope to provide short-term treatment that might be helpful.

We do not engage in crisis counselling or counselling of clients previously diagnosed with psychological disorders or showing signs of suicidal behaviour. Our services are directed towards adults who have limited access or financial means to receive direct face to face professional counselling services. Our counselling practise is strongly committed to anti-discrimination and values difference and diversity. Ultimately, The Blue Butterfly Project reserves the right to refuse or end treatment if, at any point in time, your needs prove to be greater than the counsellor's area of expertise.

In the start, it was just Ayushi and I handling everything from social media platforms to coordinating with clients and other professionals. Later on, we collaborated with a noble NGO called The Dream Excellence Foundation that absorbed this project as their initiative. I am now a trustee at The Dream Excellence Foundation and President at The Blue Butterfly Project. We have a core committee consisting of 8 members dividing departments such as HR, Social Media, PR & Marketing, Graphics, Legal, etc amongst them.

We also have a strong team of interns working in different departments as they help this project grow and reach its maximum potential. One of the main issues we faced were supporting the project financially since this is a Non-Profit Project. Although, our strong team has tried to overcome each one of these difficulties.



How can people practice mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a meditative state where the individual is present in the moment and is aware of what they are sensing and feeling at that moment. It is extremely beneficial and helps individuals in numerous ways. 

In my opinion, individuals can practice mindfulness by inculcating certain habits such as becoming self-aware and connecting with all your senses, enhancing their listening skills, meditation/yoga, eating mindfully, doing more of what you love and things that make you happy, getting in touch with your feelings and emotions, becoming more alert, practising empathy and compassion towards yourself as well as others, and adding a little self-care to your everyday routine.

Is work-life balance a myth or a reality?

Work-life balance is definitely not a myth, from the way I see it. An individual must give equal importance to work and their personal lives. In today's fast-growing world, it's become more of a necessity. I have come across many individuals that get so engrossed in work that they barely have time to do anything else. 

Irrespective of how much you enjoy working, I feel it's important to give other things time as well. Such as spending quality time with family, practising self-care, looking after your physical as well as mental wellbeing, etc. Having a work-life balance will in fact improve your overall performance at the workplace. You'll be healthier and happier.



Which is your favourite book & why?

My favourite book is "The Power of your Subconscious Mind" by Joseph Murphy. This book has helped me in so many ways. I am not someone who believes in superstitions but I definitely believe in the power of our subconscious minds because it makes more sense to me. This book talks about how our subconscious mind makes up for around 90% of our brainpower and how it makes everything we say or do fit a pattern that is consistent with our self-concept. 

It is common knowledge that it's difficult to control our minds, but this book shows you how controlling your subconscious thoughts can lead to a better and positive mindset and way of life. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for motivation, hope, and certainty.


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Interviewed by - Mukund M