Rupa Parthasarathy
I am a cultural artist, Art Psychotherapist, Counsellor, storyteller, podcaster, educator and social entrepreneur andfounder of Mindkshetra
I am also a proud woman of colour, a first-generation native Tamil speaking Indian Australian and Amma (mother) of two young adults.
I am passionate about influencing young people to make creative practices a part of their everyday well-being ritual. I lean on my decade of experience working within the diverse fast-paced corporate environment as a Lead Training Specialist and my experience of working with youth and collaborating with community organisations to inform and drive my mission. I specialise in providing culturally sensitive creative arts-based psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic solutions to sustain individual, community and organisational wellbeing.
My past roles of being a Program Counsellor with Raise Foundation, Trainer in corporate environments, and various other informs and shapes my ability to build rapport quickly, have a pragmatic approach to life and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion within the spheres I work in.
Since April 2023, I have been working as an academic placement coordinator with Western Sydney University providing ongoing supports for Master of Art Therapy Students in organising their placement opportunities.
I have been practicing art psychotherapy since 2018 and been actively involved in collaborating with my local council Cumberland and successfully implemented the Arts for Wellbeing initiative for the past two years for October Mental Health Month.
In 2021 I was shortlisted as Top 50 Small Business Leaders by Insider Small Business magazine, and finalist of Western Sydney Women Awards under Performing and Creative Arts Category. My work with community arts was shot into a documentary by Ana Tiwary, producer/director of IndiVisual films as part of a feature for South Asian today magazine.
I have collaborated with my daughter/producer on the podcast Mindkshetra Talks: Lost in Translation. This Podcast is our new venture, where two South Asian women from different generations unpack the generational barriers! You can listen to it on Spotify.
I take pride in being the first Art-therapist in the family and someone who dares to paint this world a kinder shade.
I also love dancing and have a deep love of wearing sarees and writing about their origin stories.
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Grief. A heavy word for a heavy experience. It is the emotional response to loss and can manifest in a variety of ways. The loss of a loved one, especially a parent, is one of life’s most profound and painful experiences. You might feel intense sadness, anger, guilt, or even numbness. There’s no “right” way to grieve, and the healing process takes time. Here at Mindkshetra, we understand the complexities of grief. Through this blog we aim to help you navigate your way through grief and come out stronger on the other end. Coping with the Loss of a Parent…
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Life throws curveballs, and sometimes these curveballs can hit our families the hardest. When communication breaks down, conflict escalates, or emotional turmoil takes hold, the strength and support of a family can feel strained. This is where family therapy, also known as family counselling, can be a powerful tool. Family counselling services are a form of therapy that helps families address and overcome a wide range of issues. It’s a collaborative process where a licensed family therapist works with all members of the family unit, fostering open communication, healthy conflict resolution, and improved emotional well-being. How Effective is Family Therapy? …
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Anxiety. It’s a constant companion for many, a knot of worry that tightens its grip at the most inopportune moments. While traditional therapy is a valuable tool, sometimes we need a more creative outlet. Enter art therapy for anxiety – a powerful approach that harnesses the power of self-expression to combat those overwhelming feelings. How Does Art Therapy Help with Anxiety? Unlike talk, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that relies on your verbal capacity to express your emotions art therapy is about accessing your creativity as a coping mechanism. The focus is on the process, not the final product, using…
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Navigating the complexities of childhood and adolescence can be challenging for both young people and their families. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress are increasingly common, making it essential to understand the various types of psychotherapy available. This blog will explore psychotherapy for children and adolescents at Mindkshetra, answering key questions and helping you make informed decisions about the best treatment options. What is Adolescent Psychotherapy? Adolescent psychotherapy is a specialized form of talk therapy designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by adolescents, typically between the ages of 11 and 19. This stage of life…
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Children are like delicate flowers, requiring careful attention and nurturing to blossom into their full potential. Just as physical health is crucial, so is mental health. Unfortunately, many children face emotional and behavioural challenges that can hinder their growth and development. This is where therapy for kids becomes an invaluable tool. Understanding Your Child’s Needs Navigating the complexities of childhood can be challenging for parents. While it’s normal for children to exhibit a range of behaviours, there are times when these behaviours might signal underlying emotional or psychological difficulties. It’s essential to be attuned to your child’s development and well-being…
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Life throws curveballs, and sometimes these curveballs can hit our families the hardest. When communication breaks down, conflict escalates, or emotional turmoil takes hold, the strength and support of a family can feel strained. This is where family therapy, also known as family counselling, can be a powerful tool. Family counselling services are a form of therapy that helps families address and overcome a wide range of issues. It’s a collaborative process where a licensed family therapist works with all members of the family unit, fostering open communication, healthy conflict resolution, and improved emotional well-being. How Effective is Family Therapy?…
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“Are you crazy?” is a phrase we may all have used at some point in our lives to express our response to an idea that is bizarre, unique, defies logic, or expected behaviours. “Weirdo, “Cuckoo,” and “gone bonkers” are other phrases we use to mock someone who exhibits eccentric behaviours. Gravely, on the school grounds, these words can be used as ammunition to inflict harm on a young person’s self-esteem. So what’s the big deal, you may wonder. On the surface, these phrases seem so innocent. However, our usage of these phrases may contribute to a much deeper problem: an…
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Finding the right therapist is essential for your well-being, especially if you’re searching for a creative therapist for the first time. To start your search, I recommend browsing the Professional Associations website to ensure you find a qualified professional who fits your needs. It’s crucial to reflect on your requirements and preferences, as this self-awareness will guide your search and help you find the perfect therapist. Before exploring how to find the right therapist, it’s essential to understand the various mental health professionals you can consult: Psychotherapists: These professionals use talk therapy to help individuals with emotional problems and mental…
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Parents of NDIS Participants: How Art Therapy Can Benefit Your Child Raising a child with a disability presents a unique set of challenges. Fortunately, a range of therapeutic options can support their development and well-being. NDIS art therapy is a powerful tool that unlocks a world of creative expression and emotional exploration for your child. This blog explores the benefits of NDIS art therapy for children with disabilities, addressing key questions that you, as parents, might have. Does NDIS Art Therapy Benefit Children with Disabilities? Absolutely! Art therapy is a well-established therapeutic approach that benefits children with a wide range…
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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers a vital support system for Australians with disabilities. But did you know that NDIS funding can also be used for a unique and powerful form of therapy – art therapy? While traditional therapy approaches focus on verbal communication, NDIS art therapy provides an alternative avenue for self-expression and growth, particularly for participants who may struggle with verbalization. Does Art Therapy Actually Work for NDIS Participants? NDIS art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that utilizes the creative process to explore emotions, improve mental health, and foster personal development. Studies have shown that…
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