All of us, born with our intrinsic uniqueness, experience life from this distinctly built up structure called 'Maanas' - 'The Psyche' or 'The Self'.
Maanas team consists of well trained and experienced therapists with a passion of contributing to society. We have worked with numerous individuals, couples, children, schools, hospitals and NGOs since 2007 with a focus of developing self-awareness and self-directedness in the people we work with.
Meenakshi Kirtane
The founder director of Maanas, Meenakshi Kirtane, is an experienced and trained psychotherapist with a passion for psychological and spiritual development. She has done her Masters in Psychology and a Masters In Counseling and Psychotherapy. She also holds a Diploma in Business Managements and is Certified in various Psychometric Tools.
She believes that at a time when our society and family structure is changing so rapidly, well trained counselors and psychotherapists can go a long way in helping people from all walks of life. She has extensive teaching and training experience with teachers, parents, children and student counselors and has practiced as an individual and family therapist for the past decade.
Sarita Shah
A Double Post Graduate in Psychology (Gujarat University) and Psychotherapy (IPMS, Mumbai), Ms. Shah specializes in individual counseling and family therapy and has been conducting parenting workshops and teachers training programs since 2007.She is the Maanas Ahmedabad Centre Head and excels in in-depth personal work and training of therapists.
Sarita believes that while our journey is a solo walk, when we witness it alongside others, it is worth the experience. She chooses to walk with all, and spread positive energy.
Shilpa Khokle
Shilpa, a double post graduate with masters in psychotherapy and counselling and masters in clinical Psychology, is a psychotherapist who has been working extensively with adults and children since 2007. She is also the Academic Head of Maanas Institute of Counseling Education and Research (MICER). She conducts personal development trainings, counselor training, psychological assessment training and parenting skills workshops regularly. She also has experience in working in hospital settings and schools.
She believes that if one wants to do something that they are passionate about one can always find the ways and means to do it. Therefore everyone has the potential to live life to the fullest, given right conditions.
Afrin Kachrajiwala
A master in clinical psychology from Gujarat university and post graduate in counseling & psychotherapy from Maanas Institute of Counseling, Education and Research (MICER). Afrin is a counselor at Maanas. The philosophy of this field of helping and extending empathy resonates with her. With desire to pass on her knowledge, she also taught counseling to students at Maanas.
She believes in learning and building in deep connections. In our life journeys both negative and positive changes are inevitable, she says and also believes that one needs to accept them gracefully.
Uttara Iyer
A Masters in Clinical Psychology, Uttara has also completed a course in Psychological Assessment and Testing, Psycho-educational Intervention – Counseling and Therapies, Disorders and Disability Rehabilitation, Learning Disability and Gifted Children. She has completed the Advanced Counselling Skills course at Maanas as well.She is a counselor at Maanas and works with college students as well as adults.
Uttara believes every creature has the right to be happy, and deserves respect, man and animal alike. Words and actions both have the power to heal, love and care – and she believes in using them for the same. To her, humanity is of ultimate importance. She believes in equality; black or white, gay or straight, theist or atheist, we all have the right to hold our own beliefs and values, as well as to be respected for the same, unless we hurt someone with our actions. She says she has no reason to be judgemental about anyone as she does not know what their journey has been like. She wishes to grow as a person, and to help others find themselves and grow throughout life.
Nikita Dudani
Nikita Dudani is a double post-graduate: having degrees in M.A with English Literature and Psychology, both from Gujarat University. She has also completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Maanas Institute of Counseling, Education and Research (MICER). Currently, she is a level II trainee of Psychodrama through Psychodrama in India (PiI).
Previously, she was working as a Life Skills facilitator for Grade 1-5 at Zydus School for Excellence, Godhavi (2017-18). At present, she is a working Psychotherapist and her work largely involves dealing with individual therapy clients from the age group of 18-70, career counselling, child and adolescent counselling.
She also works as the Project Manager - Corporate Interventions and aids in conducting interventions and workshops with well-known entrepreneurs and established firms of Ahmedabad. She is responsible to manage the social media handle of Maanas the Inside Story and adhere to any inquires related to social media presence.
Made up of many feathers, one of her most cherished feathers is her relationship with her spirituality. She actively works on enhancing it and brings in that approach to her work as well. She believes that every person has a right to a life, they envision and have the freedom to figure the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of it on their own. She also believes that life is a continuous journey and you learn each day. She says that the people you meet add to this journey by weaving in their experience and letting you explore things that can be unimaginable. Do not stop, as this journey enriches your soul and spirit. Once you reach the higher realm with it, miracles take place in your life.
Roma Tayyibji
Roma has a bachelor's degree in Architecture from CEPT and has been practicing architecture professionally for the past 15 years. She has also done her Post Graduate Program in Counseling & Psychotherapy from MICER.
Whether it is architecture, philosophy or psychotherapy; Roma believes that human experience and human dignity is at the core of any endeavour.She believes ‘One must be what one can be'; that the seed for growth is self-knowledge; and that integration is the key to healing.She wishes to explore & celebrate that which makes us all human, remain in touch with nature: both without & within, and evolve & help others do the same.
Mansi Rami
A Master in Clinical psychology, Mansi Rami has completed Diploma in Counselling Psychology and Mental Health, from Gujarat University. She has also completed Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Maanas Institute of Counselling Education and Research (MICER).
She is currently working as a Psychotherapist at Maanas The Inside Story. Her focus areas include working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and people in their senior years. Previously, she has worked with Anand Niketan - Bhadaj (2015-16). She has also been a faculty member for Person Centered Therapy Courses.
Been trained into Person Centered Therapy (an approach by Carl Rogers), she has developed a deep resonance for it. Her wish is to get as empathetic as possible to understand how her client’s inner world functions. Thus, helping her to facilitate them in the best way possible for their growth.
She believes that in life, we all will keep facing challenges and it is human resilience that despite uncertainties and challenges, we all keep bouncing back in our own ways. She also feels that Healing and Happiness is a matter of choice.
Keep learning and growing!
Pooja Mehta
Pooja Mehta is a Double Graduate in Physics and Psychology and Post Graduate in Clinical Psychology (Gujarat University). Further she has completed her Diploma in counselling from St.Xavier's College. She also holds a Level I certification in Psychodrama from )yschodrama In India (PiI).
Currently, she is a counsellor at Maanas the Inside Story and she has experience in working with Young adults and adults. She was working as a College Counselor at DAIICT, Gandhinagar. She has been also involved in teaching counselling at Maanas.
Pooja is a Learner of life and a Believer of Divine Love. She lives by the saying, “DUSRO KI JAY SE PEHLE KHUD KO JAY KARE! She believes that our journey starts from within; when you LOVE and RESPECT your own existence and when you feel beautiful in your own eyes you start seeing people from the lens of Love, Respect and Humility".
