soon realized my passion lay in practical application rather than academia alone, prompting me to establish Explore Counselling. At Explore Counselling, our motto ‘hopeless to hopeful’ encapsulates our mission to guide individuals through challenging times. With a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience, I've honed expertise in various counseling domains, serving students, adolescents, parents, and corporate professionals.

What inspired the establishment of Explore Counselling? Could you outline the key areas of specialization for the venture?

The inspiration behind founding Explore Counselling stemmed from a desire for autonomy and the freedom to implement innovative ideas. At Explore Counselling, we offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, including one-on-one counseling, clinical supervision, training programs, and workshops. A signature workshop, ‘Barefoot Counsellor Training,’ empowers individuals without a psychology background to offer psychological first aid in everyday interactions.

Our specialization extends to customized training programs for academic institutions, corporate entities, and individuals. Embracing the shift towards hybrid models post-COVID, we seamlessly blend online and in-person offerings to ensure accessibility and effectiveness. We offer career personality profiling such as ‘My Choice My Future (MCMF),’ to guide individuals towards fulfilling professional paths.

As a career counselor, what do you perceive as the most pressing challenges you face? How do you navigate these obstacles effectively?

As a career counselor, one of the most pressing challenges I encounter is navigating parental expectations that conflict with a student's career aspirations. It's heartening to witness young minds brimming with dreams and passions, yet it's equally daunting when those dreams collide with familial pressures. Convincing parents to embrace their child's unique talents and aspirations over societal norms requires a delicate dance of negotiation and empathy. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality, especially with teenagers, amidst parental demands for disclosure, tugs at the ethical fabric of my practice.

Yet, through open dialogue, empathetic support, and a commitment to fostering understanding, I strive to bridge these divides, guiding both students and parents towards a harmonious journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Reflecting on your professional journey, could you share a pivotal milestone you've achieved? Additionally, what guiding principles have contributed to your success over the years?

A pivotal milestone in my professional journey was the establishment of the Indian Academy of Professional Supervisors (IAPS), the first of its kind in India. This initiative stemmed from my realization of the crucial need for professional supervision within the counseling field, inspired by my experiences in Australia where I received training in professional supervision. Through IAPS, I've trained over 160 senior professionals to become certified supervisors, elevating the standards of supervision practices across India.

Respect for time, dedication to excellence, and a belief in the transformative power of giving back have been guiding force throughout my journey. Moreover, viewing my endeavors as a spiritual journey rather than mere career pursuits has provided me with profound satisfaction and resilience in the face of challenges.

Considering the evolving landscape of career and education counseling in India, how do you anticipate its future trajectory? Which emerging industry trends are poised to have the most significant impact?

As mental health becomes increasingly recognized as a fundamental need, the landscape of career and education counseling in India is undergoing a profound transformation. We're witnessing a shift from traditional clinical and academic settings to a more widespread integration of mental health professionals across various sectors. Moving forward, I anticipate a continued expansion of counseling services to cater to diverse needs, including academic institutions, corporate settings, and community organizations.

A business leader you admire: Sudha Murthy for her remarkable contributions as an Indian author and philanthropist, embodying compassion and societal impact through her literary endeavors and charitable initiatives.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders: I would encourage individuals to prioritize both personal aspirations and familial responsibilities, recognizing that finding a balance between the two is key to leading a fulfilling and harmonious life.

Dr. Vasuki Mathivanan, Founder, Explore Counselling

Dr. Vasuki Madhivanan is a seasoned psychologist based in Chennai with over 32 years of experience in the field. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Madras University and has been dedicated to mental health since the early stages of its development in India. Initially drawn to the subject's practical applications, she transitioned from teaching to founding Explore Counselling, driven by a passion to help individuals move from hopelessness to hopefulness.