Location: New Delhi, India

In this exclusive interview with Hindustan Insider, we speak with Shivangi Mishra, a leading RCI Licensed Psychologist with over seven years of clinical experience and more than 10,000 therapy sessions. Known for her evidence-based approach and integration of mindfulness with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Shivangi opens up about her journey, her clients, and her vision for mental healthcare in India.

Q1: Shivangi, thank you for speaking with us. What inspired you to become a psychologist?

Shivangi Mishra: Thank you for having me. My interest in psychology began early. Even as a teenager, I was curious about why people behave the way they do. But the turning point was during my college years. I realized how underserved mental health was in India and how many people suffered in silence. Psychology gave me a language for emotions and a pathway to help others understand theirs.

Q2: Your work combines CBT with mindfulness. Can you explain how that model works?

Shivangi: Absolutely. CBT is about identifying negative thought patterns and reshaping them. Mindfulness, on the other hand, helps people stay present and observe their thoughts without judgment. When you put them together, clients not only learn how to challenge unhealthy beliefs, but they also develop the awareness to catch those thoughts early and respond with compassion instead of fear. It’s powerful.

Q3: How has this approach helped your clients?

Shivangi: One client, a software engineer, struggled with anxiety that kept him awake for nights. Through CBT, we addressed his perfectionist thinking. Mindfulness helped him calm his nervous system and become more forgiving of himself. Over time, his panic attacks reduced drastically. It wasn’t magic—just methodical, compassionate work.

Q4: What are some common challenges Indian clients face when they start therapy?

Shivangi: Many people still think therapy is for the “mentally ill,” which creates stigma. Another challenge is emotional vocabulary. People struggle to name what they feel. Therapy becomes a space to not only understand those feelings but also to legitimize them. And culturally, there’s often resistance to discussing personal issues outside the family, so creating a safe space is crucial.

Q5: You’ve worked with over 2,000 clients, including NRIs. How do you adapt your model for different populations?

Shivangi: NRIs often face a mix of identity conflict, loneliness, and intergenerational pressures. I use cultural mapping to help them understand how their upbringing influences their choices today. I blend Indian values with modern tools—that fusion resonates. It helps clients feel seen without compromising their heritage.

Q6: Can you share a memorable therapy success story?

Shivangi: Certainly. There was a couple on the verge of separation after 12 years of marriage. They had stopped communicating. In therapy, we explored attachment styles, conflict patterns, and rebuilt emotional safety. They started doing a five-minute check-in every night. It sounds small, but that routine brought them back to each other. Today, they’re not just together—they’re thriving.

Q7: What role does your background in classical dance play in your work as a psychologist?

Shivangi: Dance taught me to read the body—every movement has meaning. In therapy, body language often reveals what words don’t. I can sense tension, avoidance, or emotional overwhelm just from posture or facial expressions. That awareness deepens my connection with clients.

Q8: How do you define success in therapy?

Shivangi: Success isn’t just about symptom reduction. It’s when a client says, “I feel more like myself again.” When they can express their needs, set boundaries, or sit with discomfort without breaking down—that’s success. It’s about building resilience.

Q9: What advice do you have for young people considering therapy?

Shivangi: First, know that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy is not about fixing you; it’s about understanding yourself. You deserve support just like you deserve physical healthcare. Find a therapist who makes you feel safe and heard.

Q10: You’re also involved in research and mentorship. What projects are you currently working on?

Shivangi: I’m developing a culturally relevant CBT workbook for Indian clients. Most therapy models come from the West and miss cultural nuance. I’m also mentoring a group of young psychologists and planning a series of workshops on emotional literacy for schools and colleges. The goal is early intervention.

Q11: Where do you see the future of mental health in India heading?

Shivangi: There’s growing awareness, which is heartening. But we need systemic changes—more trained professionals, more integration into schools and workplaces, and a public shift in how we talk about emotions. My hope is that therapy becomes as routine as going to the gym.

Q12: Final message to our readers?

Shivangi: Healing isn’t a straight line. Some days you grow, other days you rest. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be present. And no matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to walk alone. Support is out there.

Progress can sometimes feel invisible, especially when you’re doing deep emotional work. But even on the days that feel stagnant, your system is learning to cope in healthier ways. Therapy isn’t about instant transformation—it’s about small, consistent shifts in how you see yourself and respond to the world
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I want readers to remember that vulnerability is strength. Whether you’re taking your first step toward healing or navigating an ongoing journey, the very act of choosing to show up for yourself is a win. There’s no shame in asking for help. You are worthy of healing, of understanding, and of peace.

Don’t let mental health challenges hold you back. With Shivangi Mishra, you’re not just finding a therapist—you’re finding an expert mentor in transformation. Learn more at https://shivangimishra.com and take the first step toward a better tomorrow today.