Mugdha is a registered Art Psychotherapist (HCPC, UK) with a deep-rooted affinity for the arts and their therapeutic potential. She holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from Fergusson College, Pune (2015) and an MA in Art Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton, London.

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She brings a decade of diverse experience in integrating creative arts into mental health work across corporate, educational, and counselling contexts. She holds a Mental Health First Aid certification (MHFA England, 2024) and has additional foundational training in Dance Movement Therapy, the Therapeutic Value of Arts, Adlerian Therapy and Drum Circle Facilitation. Mugdha’s therapeutic approach is anchored in the arts, with a strong emphasis on cultural identity, intersectionality, and accessibility. She is particularly drawn to working with grief and personality vulnerabilities always centering the individual, not just the diagnosis. She prioritizes the person over the diagnosis, valuing the humanness and accessibility that the arts bring to therapy.

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In 2019, Mugdha co-founded The Secret Ingredient Mental Healthcare, a holistic initiative aimed at reducing stigma and expanding access to inclusive mental health services in India. An experienced educator and facilitator, Mugdha has taught on various Psychology and creative arts therapy courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels in India. She is deeply committed to promoting culturally sensitive, ethical, and arts-integrated research in psychotherapy.

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Outside of her professional work, Mugdha delights in collecting quirky stationery and loves to dance, finding it a fun and energizing way to unwind.

Nimisha Katare is a psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Modern College, Pune. She works collaboratively with clients to navigate difficult emotions, distressing thoughts, and life’s challenges. Known for her supportive and compassionate approach, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard and understood.

 

Her practice draws from behavioural therapy approaches, including certification in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). She has also completed short-term training in Couples Therapy and has a growing interest in Internal Family Systems (IFS), which enriches her ability to adapt her methods to the unique needs of each client. Nimisha brings a rich and diverse experience, having worked extensively with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). She currently also contributes to similar workplace wellbeing initiatives at TSI along with seeing clients for Individual and Couples work. Through these roles, she has developed expertise in navigating challenges including interpersonal conflicts and stress management. In addition, Nimisha has supported individuals in academic settings, including PhD students, helping them address personal, emotional, and professional challenges through therapy.

 

When she’s not in session, Nimisha can be found binge-watching shows, organizing her space like a pro, journaling, or discovering new food joints. She’s always game for a hike, a board game challenge, and firmly believes that waffles and sarcasm are perfect companions at any time of day....because who says you can't mix a little fun with self-care?

Abhishek Bhave’s path into mental health was shaped by curiosity, connection, and a desire to work more closely with people. After completing his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Modern College, Pune, he chose to move away from his earlier training in business to focus fully on the field of psychology. His close association with mental health organizations and psychologists gave him a first-hand understanding of the challenges in accessing care and inspired him to dedicate his career to building a space that makes mental health support approachable and meaningful, hence he co-founded The Secret Ingredient (TSI).​

 

He is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma-Focused Therapy at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Abhishek is deeply invested in creating spaces for open and stigma-free conversations, particularly through corporate training sessions on mental health awareness and men’s mental health, areas where dialogue is often missing. What sets Abhishek apart is the way he brings his diverse experiences together. His background in business, including an MBA from Welingkar Institute, now plays a supportive role by giving him the organizational clarity and structure to grow his work without losing sight of its human core.

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On a personal note, Abhishek is known for his love of Excel sheets and setting ambitious targets. His analytical mindset and goal-oriented nature complement his clinical practice, enabling him to manage the business aspects of the venture efficiently while ensuring the highest standards of care.

Shriya Kulkarni is a psychologist with an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan including children, young adults, and middle-aged adult; supporting them through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. Her practice is primarily grounded in humanistic and existential principles, with an integrative, client-centered approach. Shriya believes that meaningful growth emerges through connection and brings a culturally sensitive, inclusive lens to all her work. She has also received training in CBT and REBT.

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Shriya has worked as a Community Psychologist, where she engaged extensively in mental health outreach by conducting workshops and collaborating on community-based mental health projects. She also facilitates creative arts engagement sessions, blending her expertise in psychology with her certification in art therapy facilitation and her training in Hindustani classical music. She creates spaces that encourage self-expression, reflection, and exploration, using arts as a bridge to insight and wellbeing.

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Outside of her professional life, Shriya enjoys spending time with friends, exploring poetry and theatre, and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. She is endlessly curious about the natural world and believes that quiet moments in nature can offer profound reflection, complementing the work she does in therapy and creative sessions.