In a world that is moving faster than ever, conversations about emotional wellbeing are slowly beginning to find their rightful place in public discourse. Yet, for many individuals, the journey toward seeking help still begins with something very simple — a safe conversation. At the heart of creating such spaces stands Priti Raikar Thakkar, a counselling psychologist, mental health speaker, and the founder of Holistiq – Counselling & Wellness Services, a venture she co-founded with her husband Mihir Thakkar.
Her work is rooted in a belief that mental wellness is not merely about therapy sessions, but about building environments where individuals feel heard, respected, and emotionally supported.
The Power of a Safe Conversation
For Priti, the inspiration to dedicate her life to mental health comes from witnessing how a single empathetic interaction can shift someone’s perspective about life.
Through years of counseling practice, she observes that many people are not necessarily looking for solutions immediately — they are looking for a place where they can speak openly without fear of judgment.
That realization shapes the direction of her work. What begins as a counseling practice gradually evolves into a broader mission focused on emotional resilience, mental health awareness, and holistic wellbeing initiatives.
Her work today reflects a commitment to helping individuals navigate emotional challenges while also encouraging institutions and organisations to prioritise psychological safety.
Professional Journey Rooted in Service
Priti’s professional experience spans diverse spaces where mental health support is deeply needed.
She serves as a Visiting Counsellor at the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, where she works with students and professionals navigating academic and personal pressures.
Her work also extends to supporting children as a counsellor with Bal Anand World Children Welfare Trust of India, focusing on emotional wellbeing during the formative years of life.
In the education sector, she contributes as both an Employee Counsellor and Student Counsellor with Kotak Education Foundation, providing psychosocial support to beneficiaries and staff members.
Beyond educational institutions, her work addresses sensitive social challenges. As a Counselling Psychologist with Safe Space India, she supports individuals facing sexual harassment and domestic violence, offering professional guidance during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
Priti also contributes to organisational wellbeing as an External Member for POSH Committees at companies such as RHR Medicare Pvt. Ltd. and Apex Drug House, helping ensure ethical workplace practices and emotional safety for employees.
Alongside these roles, she continues to practice privately while also delivering talks and workshops as a mental health speaker.
Holistiq: A Vision Beyond Therapy
Recognising that mental health cannot exist in isolation from overall wellbeing, Priti co-founder
Holistiq – Counselling & Wellness Services with Mihir Thakkar.
The initiative reflects a thoughtfully integrated approach to wellness.
While Priti leads the psychological services, Mihir focuses on developing the broader wellness ecosystem, bringing together emotional wellbeing, preventive mental healthcare, and modern wellness practices into a unified model.
Their shared vision is to create accessible and practical mental wellness solutions for individuals, organisations, and communities.
Through Holistiq, they aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action — transforming conversations about mental health into structured support systems that are both approachable and stigma-free.
Navigating Challenges in the Mental Health Space
Working in the field of psychology often requires balancing deep emotional sensitivity with professional resilience.
For Priti, one of the most significant challenges is supporting individuals through complex emotional situations while maintaining the strength required to continue serving others effectively.
Another persistent challenge is the stigma surrounding mental health.
In many communities and workplaces, emotional struggles are still misunderstood or dismissed. Conversations about therapy are often accompanied by hesitation or fear of judgment.
Rather than discouraging her, these challenges strengthen Priti’s resolve to normalise mental health discussions and advocate for emotional wellbeing as an essential part of everyday life.
Recognition for Meaningful Work
Over the years, Priti’s contributions to mental health awareness and counselling have been acknowledged across several platforms.
She received the “Inspiration Award 2026” on International Women’s Day and the “Excellence in Mental Health Advocacy 2025” award for her continued efforts in promoting emotional wellbeing.
Her work also earned her the title of “Visionary Woman Mental Health Expert 2024”, and she is featured on the cover of FEMMETIMES Magazine the same year.
In addition, she is recognised as an Outstanding Professional Icon by Kotak Education Foundation and is featured across multiple publications including Personalities of India Magazine, Living Startups 2025, and The Entrepreneur Ethics as a young Indian entrepreneur.
Her story and work are also highlighted by platforms such as Brilliant Read Media and through the Kotak Education Foundation initiative #ServingWithSmiles.
Further reflecting her contribution to social impact, she is included as a member of the Indian Women’s History Museum, celebrating women who contribute meaningfully to society.
Conversations That Happen Everywhere
Outside her professional life, Priti finds inspiration in observing human emotions and everyday interactions.
She enjoys reflective environments, music, nature, and meaningful conversations — all of which influence her perspective on emotional wellbeing.
Interestingly, she notes that even outside formal counselling sessions, people often feel comfortable opening up to her.
Whether on a flight, at a café, or during casual interactions, strangers frequently find themselves sharing life stories, seeking advice, or simply expressing emotions they may have been holding inside.
In many ways, it reflects the essence of her work — creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest.
A Message About Healing
Through her work, Priti continues to advocate for a simple yet powerful idea: emotional wellbeing begins with feeling heard.
As she often says:
“People may forget advice, but they never forget how safe, heard, and understood you made them feel. Mental wellness begins when we stop surviving silently and start healing consciously.”
In a time when conversations about mental health are becoming increasingly important, professionals like Priti Raikar Thakkar are helping shape a future where emotional support is not seen as a luxury, but as a fundamental part of human wellbeing.