Stress and pressure
Deadlines, targets and family expectations adding up until you cannot switch off.
Confidential one-to-one counselling with qualified psychologists at SafeMind Studio on Baner-Balewadi Road. Talk through stress, anxiety, low mood and life decisions, in person or online.


Psychology counselling is a series of confidential conversations with a trained psychologist, aimed at helping you make sense of what you are going through and find a way forward. At SafeMind Studio on Baner-Balewadi Road in Balewadi, we offer it to adults and young people, one to one, in person or online.
People often ask how it differs from talking to a friend. A friend wants to help and usually wants to fix things. A counsellor has no stake in your choices and is trained to listen for what sits underneath what you say, so you can say things you would not say at home or at work. If you want a wider look at your situation, see our psychologist page. For joint sessions, see couples therapy and relationship counselling. You can also read about the people behind the studio on our about page.
Counselling is a structured conversation between you and a psychologist, usually centred on what is troubling you now and what you want to change. Sessions are not a lecture and not a list of tips. You talk, the psychologist listens closely and asks questions, and together you work out what is going on and what could help.
Much of the work is practical. Depending on your concern, that may mean understanding a pattern of thinking, learning ways to settle anxiety, putting words to a feeling, or thinking a decision through properly. Our psychologists draw on approaches such as CBT, humanistic and psychodynamic methods, and choose what suits you instead of applying one fixed script.
The words overlap in everyday use. Counselling usually focuses on a specific concern or decision and tends to be shorter. Therapy, also called psychotherapy, may go deeper into long-standing patterns and can run for longer. Many people start with counselling and carry on if they find it useful. If you want to know more about longer-term work, see our therapist page.
Counselling is for ordinary people with ordinary, difficult lives. You might come if:
You do not need to be sure what is wrong before you come. Working that out is part of the job.
These are the concerns people most often bring to us. If yours is not listed, call and ask. We will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit. For specific needs, see our pages on depression, relationship counselling and child psychologist.
Deadlines, targets and family expectations adding up until you cannot switch off.
Overthinking, restlessness, or a constant feeling that something will go wrong.
Feeling flat, tearful or tired, and losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
Exam pressure, placements, job changes, or doubts about the path you are on.
Harsh self-criticism, fear of judgement, or difficulty saying no.
Coping after a death, a breakup, a job loss or a big change in your life.
Tension with a partner, parents, in-laws or colleagues.
Settling into a new city, a new flat or a new workplace without your usual people around.
Feeling unsure what you want, or stuck between two options.
Counselling is not only for emergencies. It can help well before things reach breaking point. You may want to consider it when:
If you are on the fence, a first session is a low-pressure way to find out. Our article on why therapy helps even when you think you are okay may also help you decide.

Nobody walks in knowing exactly what to say, and you do not have to. In the first session, you can expect to:
Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes. Nothing is decided in the first meeting, and you are free to say if the fit is not right.
No. You set the pace. Your psychologist will not push you to share more than you are ready to, and you can come back to difficult topics when you feel steadier. Starting with what feels most pressing is usually enough.
What counselling offers depends on you. In general, it may help you to:
Counselling cannot guarantee an outcome, and progress is rarely a straight line. It gives you steady, confidential time to work on what matters.
Every session is different, but this is the usual shape. Your psychologist will explain how it works at the start and you can ask questions at any point.
You get a few minutes to settle. The psychologist checks how you have been since the last session, or in the first session, what brought you in.
You talk about what is on your mind. The psychologist listens, asks questions and reflects back what they hear, without judgement.
Together you look for patterns: what triggers a reaction, what you do to cope, and what is working or not.
Depending on your needs, you may practise a technique in the session or try a small task before the next one. Never anything you are not comfortable with.
From time to time you review what is changing and adjust the focus. The number of sessions depends on your concerns and goals, and your psychologist will discuss this with you instead of fixing it in advance.
A simple, supportive and structured process, explained to you at the start.
Talk through what you are facing and what you want from counselling.
Agree on goals and a pace that suits you.
Regular sessions with space to review progress.
Build coping skills and feel more settled day to day.
If you work from home in Baner, Balewadi or Wakad, or travel a lot, online counselling can fit around your day. If you prefer a private room away from home, our Balewadi studio is open for in-person sessions.


Counselling works best when you trust the person you are talking to. Here is what you can expect from us.
Showing up regularly is easier when the studio is close. SafeMind Studio is on Baner-Balewadi Road in Balewadi, behind Hotel FATCOOK, and is within easy reach of Baner, Balewadi High Street, Pan Card Club Road, Aundh, Pashan, Sus and Mahalunge. We are open until 9 PM, so you can come after work. If you live further away, choose online sessions.
Find us on Google Maps, see the studio in our gallery, or send us a message on the contact page. We also hold wellness sessions at the studio; see our wellness studio page.

A good fit matters as much as qualifications. When you compare counsellors, check the points below. For more guidance, read how to find the right counsellor in Pune and how to choose the right therapist in Baner.
Ask what degree or training the person holds, and whether they are a psychologist or a counsellor. Clinical psychologists in India are registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
Ask whether they have worked with concerns like yours.
Ask how sessions work and what methods they use.
You should be able to speak openly without feeling judged.
Ask how your privacy is protected and what the limits are.
Timings, location, session length, online options and cancellation.

Founder | SafeMind Psychology Counselling Clinic | B.H.M.S | Certified Psychology Counsellor (NHCA) | Certified in CBT and Neuroplasticity | MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management
My journey towards SafeMind has been a process of self-development. As an empath, I have always connected strongly to others and their struggles, caring to help them navigate through their difficulties. Yet, before being able to reach out to others, I needed to learn to listen to myself, set my boundaries, understand and nurture my needs. Only then have I been able to dedicate myself fully to serving others. With over ten years of experience, I have logged hundreds of hours listening to people’s struggles while endeavouring to create a judgement-free space for people to express their deepest fears and darkest thoughts. Over these 10 years, I have worked with children, teens, and adults, addressing various complex issues, including relationship and parent-child problems, ADHD, depression, emotional difficulties, and a sense of feeling stuck in one’s life. Drawing from my vast experience and employing a number of therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, EFT, NLP, and knowledge of neuroplasticity, I offer my clients a truly integrated approach to solving their problems. I believe that being in therapy should be a comfortable, safe experience, where the client is an active participant in the process rather than being told what to do by the therapist. Today, I am humbled and truly grateful for the ability to help people all around the globe, both locally, at SafeMind in Balewadi-Baner, Pune, and internationally, via online therapy. My mission with SafeMind is to help you return to yourself, to your true self!
Experienced. Compassionate. Here for You.

Counselling Psychologist | 8+ years of experience | Soft Skills Trainer | Author
Priyanka Das is a certified counselling psychologist supporting individuals across all age groups from children and adolescents to young adults and professionals.
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Clinical Psychologist | 2+ years of experience
Rutuja Dixit is a dedicated Clinical Psychologist with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Fergusson College, Pune.
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Counselling Psychologist l Past Life Regression Therapist l 12+ years of experience
Swati Khandelwal Karwa is a Counselling Psychologist and Past Life Regression Therapist with 12+ years of experience, specializing in Child, Marriage & Family Counselling.
Book AppointmentWe are honoured to be recognized for our contribution to mental health care and our continued commitment to ethical, client-centered practice.
Experiences shared by people who have attended counselling at SafeMind Studio.
Psychology counselling is confidential, talk-based support with a trained psychologist. You talk about what is troubling you, and the psychologist helps you understand it and find ways to cope or change. It is used for stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship strain and life decisions, and it does not involve medication.
SafeMind Studio on Baner-Balewadi Road in Balewadi, behind Hotel FATCOOK, offers psychology counselling in person and online. Call or WhatsApp +91 9270233663, or use the form on our contact page.
The terms overlap. Counselling usually focuses on a specific concern or decision and tends to be shorter, while therapy or psychotherapy may go deeper into long-standing patterns and run longer. Many people begin with counselling and continue if it helps.
Anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed or unsettled, or who wants a neutral space to talk. You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis. Common reasons include stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, career or study pressure and relationship difficulties.
It depends on your concerns, your goals and how often you attend. Some people feel clearer after a few sessions, others continue for longer. Your psychologist will talk this through with you instead of fixing a number in advance.
A session usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. Your psychologist will confirm the length and how often to meet in your first session.
Yes. Sessions at SafeMind Studio are private and confidential, subject to professional and legal requirements, such as situations involving a serious risk of harm. Your psychologist will explain this at the start.
Yes. We offer online sessions as well as in-person sessions at our Balewadi studio. Tell us which you prefer when you book.
No. You can book directly. If a medical check or a psychiatrist's opinion would help, your psychologist will say so.
It may help. A psychologist can help you understand what sets off your anxiety or stress and practise ways to manage it. Results vary, and counselling is not a replacement for medical care when that is needed. See also our article on emotional burnout vs depression.
Mostly no. A psychologist helps you understand your situation and look at your options, so the decisions are yours. They may suggest techniques or exercises, but they will not tell you how to live.
Our child psychologist page covers support for children and teens. Call us if you are unsure what your child needs.
Call or WhatsApp +91 9270233663, email contact@safemindstudio.com, or use the contact page. Tell us whether you prefer in-person or online and what you would like help with, and we will find a suitable time.
You do not have to have everything worked out before you reach out. If you would like to talk about counselling at SafeMind Studio, call or message us and we will find a time that works, in person or online.