Reports and Paper Publications
We strive to document our work within community spaces and make visible our stance and its impact
This article by Pooja Agarwal and Aarathi Selvan, published in the ReFrame Journal from the Mariwala Health Initiative explores the importance of integrating embodied activism within mental health practice. It emphasizes the need for mental health professionals to engage with their own bodies and experiences to foster a deeper understanding of their clients’ struggles. The piece advocates for a shift from traditional therapeutic models to more holistic approaches that incorporate mindfulness, bodily awareness, and social justice, aiming to create more inclusive and empathetic mental health care environments.
This manual, compiled by Aarathi with contributions from fellowship program participants, provides comprehensive guidelines for running effective and inclusive group sessions in collective spaces. Emphasizing social justice, trauma sensitivity, and embodied activism, it covers broad principles, typical session structures, facilitator roles, group characteristics, challenges, and navigation strategies. Additionally, it includes detailed session plans, tools and techniques for facilitation, and methods for evaluation and feedback. This manual aims to foster community, support diverse identities, and promote mental health and well-being.
Selvan, A., Nayar, S., Somasundaram, T.(2023)
This paper traces the historical and cultural roots of modern mindfulness practices in India. It explores how traditional Indian mindfulness techniques have influenced contemporary mindfulness-based interventions and their relevance in the global context.
This study written by Akshata Chonkar explores the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on children and adolescents in Hyderabad’s budget private and government schools. The report highlights the positive effects of these interventions on students’ mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
This report provides an update on the Commune project, a mental health initiative in partnership with Pause for Perspective, aimed at supporting children in low-income schools in Hyderabad. The program includes workshops on mental health awareness, gender equality, and violence, with the goal of building resilience and coping mechanisms among students
This report by Lalitheshwari K. details the work done with children in institutionalized settings, focusing on deconstructing dominant narratives and empowering children through embodied activism. The project used narrative therapy, mindfulness, and creative activities to address trauma and foster resilience among children in an orphanage in Hyderabad.
Zahida War’s documentation of the Wansa support group for Kashmiri women addresses the mental health impacts of ongoing conflict in the region. The group provides a safe space for women to share their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies, and aims to deconstruct the dominant narrative of women as passive victims
This report outlines the Climate Ark project led by Akshata Chonkar and Zahida War, which focused on providing mental health support to climate action volunteers. The project aimed to create a sustainable well-being model, facilitate conversations about mental health, and offer tools for managing eco-anxiety and stress among volunteers.
This document details the training program provided by Pause for Perspective to volunteers at OneLife Helpline. The program focused on enhancing empathy, mindfulness, and effective communication skills, and included a comprehensive structure of training sessions, feedback, and evaluations to improve volunteer performance and caller satisfaction.
Pause for Perspective, a mental health organization specializing in mindfulness and narrative therapy, initiated the Mental Health Awareness (MHA) Program to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health. Between September 2019 and December 2019, the MHA program reached over 10,000 individuals through multiple sessions across various organizations, including colleges, hospitals, and corporate settings. Facilitated by trained professionals, each session included interactive discussions and feedback collection. The program also conducted Level 2 projects, offering more in-depth mental health support and specialized workshops. The MHA program’s positive impact is reflected in the increased understanding and reduced stigma reported by participants.