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Aakriti: Centre for Holistic Well-Being

Introduction

Aakriti: Centre for Holistic Well-being is an initiative started by MIT-WPU in October 2023 to look after the mental well-being of its students and faculty members including the non-teaching staff as well. The centre is dedicated to fostering comprehensive health and balance in individuals. Established with the vision of integrating mind, body, and spirit, Aakriti was born from the recognition that true well-being encompasses more than just physical health. It embraces emotional and mental dimensions, creating a harmonious approach to living a fulfilling life.

The centre was founded in response to the growing need for a more nuanced understanding of mental wellness in today’s fast-paced world. It serves as a nurturing space where individuals can explore various holistic practices, including mindfulness, and therapeutic techniques. By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, Aakriti aims to empower people to achieve well-being and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and their surroundings.

At Aakriti, the commitment to holistic health is reflected in a range of personalized programs and workshops designed to support individual journeys toward balance and rejuvenation. The centre’s ethos is rooted in the belief that mental well-being is an evolving process, and it is dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals on their path to a more harmonious and enriched life.

Objectives

Aakriti: Centre for Holistic Well-Being plays a vital role in supporting mental health and well-being of students, ultimately contributing to their personal growth and academic success. We aim at:

Promoting Mental Health
  • Provide resources and services to enhance students' mental health, emotional well-being, and overall functioning.
  • Educate the university community about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.
  • Develop and implement prevention programs to address issues such as bullying, ragging, suicide, substance abuse, and relationship violence.
Providing Therapeutic Support
  • Offer individual, group, and crisis counselling services to help students cope with personal, academic, and social challenges.
  • Develop personalized treatment plans and provide ongoing support to students in need. Enhancing Academic Success:
  • Assist students in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may impact their academic performance.
  • Provide workshops and programs on time management, study skills, and other strategies to improve academic success.
Fostering a Supportive Campus Environment
  • Work with faculty, staff, and administration to create a campus culture that prioritizes mental health and supports students' well-being.
  • Implement programs and initiatives that promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect.
Confidentiality and Ethical Practice
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all counselling services.
  • Ensure that students feel safe and secure when seeking help from the counselling centre.

Team



Ruta

Ms. Ruta Mhapankar

Sr. Counsellor

Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapies


Approach:

She is an experienced psychologist and employs a multimodal approach, incorporating techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and art therapy to tailor her interventions. With a compassionate and client-centred focus she has successfully helped numerous individuals achieve mental well-being. She aims at providing comprehensive and compassionate care in her practice.

Areas of expertise:

Treating Anxiety, Depression, Behavioural Issues, Learning Disabilities, Stress management, Academic issues, personality development, etc.

Additional Certifications:

Trained in Specific Learning Disabilities, Art Therapy, Play Therapy and Gestalt Therapy, CBT, REBT, Diploma in Counselling skills and Psychotherapies, Certified Counsellor by Counsellor Council of India (CCI).





Neeti

Ms. Neeti Sanghvi

Student Counsellor

Master’s in Clinical Psychology.


Approach:

She is a seasoned Psychologist who follows an eclectic approach in her sessions and focuses on managing symptoms that would lead the client to holistic wellbeing. Her focus is always to keep the client’s needs first and work with their strengths to build resilience within them that would make them optimistic about their future.

Areas of expertise:

She works on Relationship and Body Image concerns, Anxiety and Stress Management, Depression counselling, Trauma and Grief counselling, Family matters and Anger management. Her clients also speak to her about study habits to be inculcated as well as managing time during hectic schedules.

Additional Certifications:

Certified in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT).





Preetika

Ms. Preetika Deshmukh

Student Counsellor

Master’s in Clinical Psychology.


Approach:

She uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, Person Centred Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Art Based Therapy during her sessions.

Areas of expertise:

She prefers dealing with Anxiety, Academic Concerns, Addiction, Stress, Body Image Issues, Trauma, Self-esteem Issues and Relationship Issues.

Additional Certifications:

Certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Rational Emotive Behaviour therapy, Family and Relationship Therapy and Career Counselling.



Vision



Mission

Services

1. Training and Workshops

At Aakriti: Centre for Holistic Well-Being, we design and conduct a wide range of interactive training and workshops for students, faculty, and staff to promote mental health awareness and holistic development across campus.

Our sessions address key areas such as stress management, anxiety management, emotional regulation, distress management, digital detox, suicide prevention, relationship management, self-esteem building, and resilience development. We also conduct exam preparedness and study skills sessions, mindfulness and relaxation practices, and life skills enhancement programs.

In addition, Aakriti actively collaborates with faculty members by offering structured training programs on mentor–mentee development, equipping them with the skills to effectively support students’ academic, emotional, and personal growth.

All our workshops are designed to be engaging, practical, and reflective, ensuring participants gain actionable insights and tools for everyday well-being

2. Activities

Listening Circles

We regularly conduct listening circles on a range of relevant and meaningful topics such as relationships, anxiety, and stress management. These sessions are designed to create a safe, non-judgmental space where participants can openly express their thoughts and emotions.

The primary objective is to encourage healthy emotional release, foster a sense of togetherness, and provide relief from academic or professional pressures. Through guided discussions and shared experiences, participants feel heard, supported, and more connected to one another.

Detox Sessions

We organize and facilitate structured detox sessions for staff and faculty members across various departments. These sessions aim to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well- being by offering a much-needed pause from daily stressors and responsibilities.

A variety of therapeutic and engaging activities are incorporated, including art therapy, mindfulness practices, and meditation techniques. These interventions help participants unwind, improve focus, and restore mental balance, thereby enhancing both personal and professional functioning.

Hostel Sessions

Our team actively visits MIT hostels to engage with students in their living environments, making mental health support more accessible and approachable.

During these visits, we conduct interactive sessions focused on raising awareness about mental health and equipping students with practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. These sessions also provide an opportunity for students to seek guidance, share concerns, and build coping skills, contributing to a healthier and more supportive campus environment.

3. Mentor-Mentee Program

The Mentor–Mentee Program is designed to provide students with consistent guidance, support, and a sense of belonging throughout their academic journey. Its primary aim is to foster personal, academic, and emotional development by creating a safe space for open communication and meaningful connections. Through regular interactions, mentors help students navigate challenges, set goals, and build essential life skills. The program is thoughtfully structured to ensure accessibility, trust, and continuity, enabling early identification of concerns and timely support. By strengthening student engagement and well-being, the initiative contributes to a more supportive and inclusive campus environment.

To ensure that the Mentor–Mentee Program remains effective and impactful, counsellors at the Aakriti Centre for Holistic Well-being conduct a comprehensive audit each semester across all schools and departments. Through this structured review process, counsellors assess the overall effectiveness, consistency, and quality of mentoring practices carried out by mentors and faculty members. The objective is to gain a clear understanding of mentor performance, identify strengths, and highlight areas for further development within the mentoring framework. In addition to quantitative measures, counsellors also focus on qualitative aspects such as student engagement, active participation during sessions, and overall responsiveness, ensuring that the program continues to meet the evolving needs of students.

Feedback for mentor mentee sessions

Regular feedback is collected from both students and faculty members to provide a well-rounded perspective on the effectiveness and impact of the mentor–mentee interactions. This feedback plays a crucial role in understanding the practical outcomes of the program and in highlighting areas that may require refinement.

Based on the insights gathered through this detailed assessment, the counselling team formulates actionable and context-specific recommendations. These suggestions are shared with the respective schools and departments to support continuous improvement and to enhance the overall quality and impact of the mentoring program.

Furthermore, in instances where mentors identify potential red flag cases such as students requiring additional psychological or emotional support. These cases are promptly referred to the counselling department for specialized intervention and appropriate follow-up.

Training sessions for mentors

In addition to the audit and evaluation process, the counselling team also conducts targeted training sessions for mentors. These sessions aim to address queries, clarify doubts, and equip mentors with effective strategies and skills to strengthen their engagement with students.

Through ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives, the organization ensures that mentors are well-supported in delivering meaningful, impactful, and student-centred mentoring experiences.

4. Counselling

All counselling services at Aakriti are conducted with the highest regard for privacy, dignity, and confidentiality, in accordance with professional ethical standards. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and we encourage every member of our community to prioritize their mental health without hesitation.

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Individual Counselling Sessions

One-on-one therapy and counselling sessions are available for students, faculty, and staff members seeking support for concerns such as

  • Stress, anxiety, and low mood
  • Academic pressure and burnout
  • Relationship and family concerns
  • Self-esteem and confidence issues
  • Grief, adjustment difficulties, and emotional distress
  • Personal growth and self-awareness and much more

These sessions are confidential, non-judgmental, and tailored to individual needs.

Relationship Counselling

Aakriti also offers counselling support in terms of relationship issues within the university community who may be experiencing interpersonal difficulties, communication challenges, conflict resolution concerns, or emotional strain in their relationship.

The aim of these sessions is to foster healthier communication, mutual understanding, and emotional wellbeing in a respectful therapeutic setting.

Peer Support & Community Care

During sensitive times, periods of collective stress, or emotionally challenging events, the centre facilitates peer support circles and group wellbeing spaces led by trained psychologists.

These groups help participants:

  • Feel heard and supported.
  • Process emotions in a safe environment.
  • Build resilience through community connection.
  • Reduce feelings of isolation during difficult times.

5. Emotional Well-Being Screening

At MIT-WPU, student wellbeing remains at the heart of our educational philosophy. Recognizing that emotional challenges can often go unnoticed until they begin to affect academic performance, relationships, or overall quality of life, Aakriti: Centre for Holistic Wellbeing has developed a structured Emotional Wellbeing Screening Tool to proactively support students.

This in-house screening initiative has been carefully designed by the psychologists at MIT-WPU to help identify early signs of emotional distress, psychological vulnerability, and areas where students may benefit from timely guidance and counselling support.

What is the Emotional Wellbeing Screening Tool?

The Emotional Wellbeing Screening Tool is a professionally designed assessment framework used to understand a student’s current emotional and psychological wellbeing. It enables the counselling team to identify students who may be experiencing difficulties and may require additional support.

The screening tool is sensitive to a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Personal emotional distress
  • Academic stress and examination pressure
  • Burnout and fatigue
  • Anxiety and excessive worry
  • Low mood or feelings of helplessness
  • Relationship or interpersonal concerns
  • Family-related stressors
  • Grief, loss, or adjustment difficulties
  • Social isolation and loneliness
  • General emotional disturbances affecting daily functioning

Why is this Initiative Important?

Many students experiencing emotional challenges may hesitate to seek help independently. At times, they may not fully recognize the seriousness of what they are going through or may assume they need to manage it alone.

The Emotional Wellbeing Screening Tool helps bridge this gap by:

  • Identifying concerns at an early stage
  • Encouraging timely psychological support
  • Preventing escalation of emotional difficulties
  • Supporting student resilience and coping
  • Enhancing academic and personal wellbeing
  • Promoting a mentally healthy campus environment

This proactive approach allows MIT-WPU to care for students not only academically, but holistically.

How the Process Works:

Students may be invited to complete the screening tool as part of institutional wellbeing initiatives. Responses are reviewed confidentially by qualified psychologists from the Aakriti centre.

Where signs of emotional vulnerability or distress are observed, the counselling team may reach out to the student to offer supportive counselling sessions, guidance, or further assistance. The purpose is not to label or judge, but to ensure that no student feels unseen during difficult times.

Confidentiality & Ethical Care

All screening responses are handled with the highest standards of confidentiality, sensitivity, and professional ethics. Student privacy and dignity remain central to every stage of the process. Participation in counselling support remains respectful, voluntary, and student-centred.

In Case of Immediate Emotional Crisis

If you or someone you know requires urgent emotional support outside working hours, please

contact the following verified helplines in India:

If there is immediate risk to life or safety, please contact local emergency services or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

Contact Details

Contact details: +91 9049689898

Email: aakriti-wellness@mitwpu.edu.in

Location: Ground floor, next to Student Affairs office, Maitreyi Building, MIT-WPU, Kothrud, Pune, Bharat

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