Shefali Batra's Wellness Coaching
About
I am Dr. Shefali Batra. A Psychiatrist from India by qualification, I have spent over 15 years in helping people achieve their behavioral, social and emotional goals using mindfulness and cognitive techniques.
My educational background briefly includes:
1) Healthcare Management Leadership from UCLA (2013)
2) MD in Psychiatry from USAIM (2005)
3) DPM in Psychological Medicine from University of Mumbai (2004)
4) Undergraduate Medcine (MBBS) - University of Mumbai (1999)
My practice and interest area has been less of cliched mainstream medical approaches and more about delving into the depths of human emotions and behavior through mindfulness, to understand the idiosyncrasies of what we do even though we know what we 'should' do is quite different.
Through mindfulness I aim to provide the drive and guidance to improve your communications, perception of emotion, relationships, career and life in general. I practice in the Bay Area as a Wellness and Life Coach and offer sessions in person as well as online.
My LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shefali-batra-83903a56
My previous practice in India is at http://www.mindframes.co.in
I blog at http://www.mindframes.life
I cannot imagine work that could have more meaning and be more transformative for my clients as well as myself than a profession, which involves helping people achieve their own goals, facilitate their own growth; and attain a sense of fulfillment in what they do. Through client's success I feel a vicarious sense of personal advancement.
It is an honor and privilege to play a part in the stories of clients, to help them decrease their own suffering by providing direction, support and a different perspective on life. I cannot imagine what I would ever do in place of this. I consider myself lucky that I absolutely love doing what I do and more than anyone else; I believe it gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
In the recent past while researching for a presentation at a Global Conference of Biological Psychiatry, I became even more deeply involved with mindfulness and its role in modulating the human boiology, neurochemicals and even the brain structure at large. From the cradle to the grave, our brain neurons are being restructured, new synapses (connections between nerve cells) are being formed and old connections are even programmed to die based on the way we think and we experience life. Wy not make the most of this adaptability and start using it to live better!
Mindfulness and cognitive retraining is a process of changing how we behave and feel by changing how we think. A step by step, structured and guided approach as this is destined to change our lives for the better if we get the right guidance and build the right attitude to want to change for the better.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
As a Wellness and Life Coach my students are 'different' from usual students who come to learn a study subject. My students learn on the subject of lfe, and that I believe is the biggest learning. I listen to their experiences in whatever way they wish to express them to me (structured or unstructured). Following that I take it upon me to add structure to what they may be experiencing so that we can together identify areas for self-improvement and self-change. I also use computer assisted self introspective and guidance tools that help students think deeper about their life and style of living. These help gain insght into what may be going wrong so that we find ways to set it right. Through the sessions we help achieve the goals we set out in the initial session. Towards the end we discuss the learnings (like a revision) and identify structured strategies that can be followed to have a more fulfilling existence.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Psychiatrist by qualification. But also a human being first. Hence my passion for understanding why as humans we feel the way we do. More than a decade of dealing with human behavior and emotions allows me to help add structure to a disrupted thought process, which often results in lack of accomplishment of personal, relationship and professional goals. My work as a Mindfulness Coach incorporates all this learning and experience to enhance the client experience and achieve more certain outcomes. My educational background briefly includes:
1) Healthcare Management Leadership from UCLA (2013)
2) MD in Psychiatry from USAIM (2005)
3) DPM in Psychological Medicine from University of Mumbai (2004)
4) Undergraduate Medcine (MBBS) - University of Mumbai (1999)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes the fee is at an hourly rate of $149. If we take more frequent sessions we can organize a package discount. We can talk about your needs and work on a customised plan for you.
How did you get started teaching?
'Teaching' in my case essentially is about 'teaching people the way to live life'. I work with people from all backgrounds, race, ethnicity, experiences, professions and ages. I started coaching and guiding people towards their personal and professional goals almost 15 years ago while practicing as a mental health professional. The approaches I used were not directive, they were more about assisting people in first setting right goals and then taking the suitable steps to accomplish them. And it has been an interesting journey since then.
I also use a handholding approach of consistent guidance and direction; but like all good teachers, I can't do the work for my students. I can motivate them to work on themselves to attain their emotional and behavioural goals and reap the success of their own effort.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with individuals who wish to make a difference in their emotional and behavioural health, personal and professional wellness, as well as building relationships. Mindfulness plays a role in several bodily symptoms too and recently I have spent more time with individuals with chronic pain, immune disorders and frequent illnesses.
On the relationship front these could be family connections, workplace interactions, friendships, or romantic relationships and marriages. With parents and children I work on bridging the generation gap, improving verbal and non verbal interaction, and targeting more amicable interpersonal communication. I've also worked with middle age crisis and seniors who sense an emptiness and find it difficult to cope when their children go away for familial, occupational or other personal reasons.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I think when you want to seek assistance in meeting your life goals and building positive relaitonships, you need to speak with someone you can trust, who understands you, is culturally sensitive, non-prejudiced and has had a multitude of experience in the area of human relationships.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think it is important for every student to know what they want from their teacher. But I also agree that a student needs direction and if they present their dilemmas clearly then the teacher can guide them towards what they should be seeking and hence acquiring. If we don't know what we want, what are the odds that we'll ever find it?
A good teacher understands what you don't speak. A better teacher knows what would be right for you. Whereas an excellent teacher helps you take the necessary steps to help you get there.
I think when you seek a teacher, look at the qualification, background and experience and feel free to send in your questions and see if it seems like the right fit for you. Once the pieces of the jogsaw meet, you're all set!