by Nehha Bhatnagar (some learnings from my studies- especially useful for interoception by client/patient) Quick Practitioner Cues (use these in-session) To become the most effective therapist, reflect on these. Remember, we want them to get well, be well but most importantly STAY WELL. This is where working with holistic tools is the most helpful thing you can do. Here are some ways to help clients be more interoceptive, and aware of their breath and vitality in general. Not

These are sites I refer to all the time in my professional practice Hope the above holistic cancer recovery resources helps you and your loved ones in this diagnosis. Know this- from all the hours and hours spent on research on Cancer for supporting my clients in wellbeing during their diagnosis, I have found that whether you choose to do chemo/radiation or not- there is no discounting lifestyle factors. In fact, Dr Kelly Turner, PhD, who for 15+ years has been a best-selling

As Holistic Toolkit Coaches, client session's must be focused on integrating mind-body-spirit frameworks  into program delivery, emphasizing behavior change, preventive health, and community-centered training . At The Holistic Shala, we focus on these aligned mental models, yoga-based methodologies, and practical applications for self and client well-being — positioning these as core pillars for program outcomes, scalability, and next steps. Program Philosophy and Core Princ

The Ripple Effect: The Science of Connection In the dialogue between friend and foe , it is often foe  who appears first in the limbic system — our primitive emotional brain is wired to detect threat before connection. Yet, familiarity changes everything. We naturally connect with people who feel “like us”; our brains light up in resonance with similarity. This forms the basis of the ripple effect  — the profound impact of people on people. Nicholas Christakis and James Fowle

by Nehha Bhatnagar (written through clinical experience and class notes using AI for formatting) Understanding Anxiety Through a Holistic Lens Anxiety is not just “in the mind.” It’s often a physiological signal from the body asking for balance. Lets see how gut health, metabolic stability, circadian hygiene, and habit formation  profoundly affect anxiety and overall well-being. We discussed how to distinguish between false anxiety   — biologically driven — and true anxiety  

by Nehha Bhatnagar (organized with the help of AI but taken from mentor sessions) Add before Eliminate: a strategy for SUSTAINED results in clients How important is it for cultivating compassionate presence in therapeutic and coaching contexts, emphasizing self-care, vitality building, and neurophysiological underpinnings to support client transformation! My mentor taught me an “add-before-eliminate” approach , consistency through small practices, and the PPP (Protect, Proj

by Nehha Bhatnagar (without AI) In movies, we’ve all seen it: the childless aunt, the single woman, painted as eccentric, selfish, irresponsible. But here’s the truth: today, one in five women in America are panks —Professional Aunts, No Kids. And the numbers are growing the world over. And we love children. By choice, by relation, by devotion.  We are not child-less. We are child-full—because we fill our lives with their love, and we fill their lives with ours. Here’s the ke

by Nehha Bhatnagar (thank you AI for emojis. Content is my own) “Language has created the word ‘loneliness’  to express the pain of being alone.And it has created the word ‘solitude’  to express the glory of being alone.”— Paul Tillich The High Achiever’s Paradox High Achievers often walk alone. Their standards are self-set, their paths self-paved. Yet this independence can bring a quiet ache — the feeling of being misunderstood, unseen, or disconnected .Their vision often d

We influence other people’s health simply by the way we act By Nehha Bhatnagar (written without AI) The iconic Framingham Heart Study came up with a stunning conclusion on the way our behaviour influences others around us. Happiness like health, is a collective phenomenon, and we influence people’s health simply by the way we act. Three degrees removed too! A happy next-door neighbour will up you happiness by 34%, a sibling 1.6 kms away from you by 14% and a friend within hal

By Nehha Bhatnagar Understanding the Shift Now that we are clear about what high achievement  is, let’s look at what holistic high achievement  means. When we feel safe in ourselves  and aligned with our purpose , we naturally shine — in our passions, service, and excellence. When our body, mind, and spirit  are in harmony, we don’t just succeed… we thrive.  🌞 Holistic High Achievement  involves: Integrating the wounded or traumatic parts of our inner world Re-defining ho

Does this sound like you? By Nehha Bhatnagar (without the use of AI, except for emoji help:))   You are driven by the need for ‘achievement’- you are  motivated by the prospect of accomplishing something important, and making a difference, in your own, but also other people’s lives. Your main desire is to feel valuable and worthwhile You strive for excellence and take calculated risks to accomplish goals You transform ideas into tangible realities You prefer working alone, an

Finite and Infinite Identity In yogic psychology, identity has two dimensions: ● Finite identity  — the roles we play, the body we...

Client Background Simran, a 10-year-old girl from a Delhi slum, grew up in poverty and abuse. Her father ran a roadside kulcha chana ...

Client Background Aida, a 36-year-old East African woman, was a new mother in a loving 12-year marriage. A successful entrepreneur, she...

Client Background Sirinera, a 38-year-old South Asian woman, held two degrees and two advanced diplomas in different fields — yet never found lasting direction in work. Raised by a decorated lawyer aunt after her mother left, she grew up in a family where doctors, lawyers, and engineers were the norm. By comparison, her meandering path felt “unsuccessful.” Compounded by an abusive past relationship (later replaced with a stable, kind partner), Sirinera’s lack of occupational

Client Background Jill, a 40-year-old single Caucasian mother of twins, embodied the “high achiever” mindset. Despite enduring a high-conflict divorce, raising a child on the autism spectrum, and balancing a demanding senior role at work, she maintained a façade of strength. But behind closed doors, she coped by drinking heavily — almost 1.5 bottles of wine daily. A high performer at work and a loving mother, Jill rarely discussed her struggles, preferring to keep her “weakne

Client Background Name:  Jake* (28, Caucasian male) History:  On SSRIs since age 10; admitted to a psychiatric hospital for severe psychosis & depression 2 years ago. Fearful of relapse and job loss due to recurring anxiety and depressive phases. Symptoms:  Chronic digestive distress (pain, bloating, flatulence, constipation – bowel movement only 2x/week), underweight, dry skin, joint pain. Lifestyle:  Fast food, energy drinks, microwave dinners, chocolate milk, occasional al

Client Background Ethnicity:  East Asian Age/Stats:  5 ft, 70 kg Presenting Symptoms:  Panic attacks, racing heart, severe anxiety, Type 2 Diabetes (HbA1c = 6.5), high cholesterol (Triglycerides = 440), elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), very high ferritin (754 ng/ml). Medication:  Recently prescribed Xanax (anti-anxiety), Metformin (Diabetes), Statins (Cholesterol). Lifestyle:  Sedentary. Diet high in fried meats, refined coconut oil, and white rice. No alcohol/smoking. Initi

Client Background Mika  (name changed), a 35-year-old psychiatrist, came to me through a colleague’s referral. She had been married for four years to a kind-hearted, romantic man who wasn’t as ambitious as her. Their love marriage was turning sour. Mika’s driven personality and high expectations were leading her husband to hide things from her — small lies that reflected growing strain in their relationship. Initial Assessment In my High Achiever Pathway , we begin with two p

Client Background Triha* (name changed), 40, is a former Veterinarian and a Pharmacologist with the FDA, who came to me via a family referral during COVID. She had endured a toxic, even abusive, marriage for 14 years. Overworking became her escape, leaving her disconnected from friends and family. With a 9-year-old daughter, she felt isolated, powerless, and had even experienced suicidal thoughts. Despite career success, her self-confidence and identity were eroded by a contr