You, Me and the School Counsellor

Kaveri Counselling Empowerment and Gifted Centre

You, Me & The School Counsellor (YMSC) is a powerful resource for conselors, educators, parents, and mental health advocates. Children today are growing up in a hyper-connected world defined by information overload, constant academic comparison, intense pressure, and rapid change. As parents, teachers, and school community members, we are frequently left wondering: How do we support them better? How do we help them navigate complex emotions, evolving relationships, diverse learning challenges, and the unique pressures of growing up. This podcast is our answer to those questions.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Ep# 5 Significance of Counselling for Middle Years

    How do communication at home and school, digitalisation, and the pressures of modern life shape children's mental wellbeing? In this special episode, we are joined by Mrs. Malathi Kalmadi and Ms. Radhika Bapat to explore the factors that influence children's wellbeing and the role schools play in supporting their mental health. Mrs. Malathi Kalmadi is the Founding Director of the Kaveri Gifted Education & Research Centre, a committee member of the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program, and a core member of Initiatives of Change (IOFC). Her work reflects a deep commitment to values-based education and meaningful institutional change. Ms. Radhika Bapat holds a PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences from Leiden University, Netherlands, and an MPhil in Clinical Psychology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. A mental health professional, researcher, and popular voice on Instagram through @psychotherapybar, she brings valuable insights into children's emotional wellbeing. In this episode, we explore: Home–school communication and its impact on children's mental health. The four pillars that contribute to children's wellbeing. Screens, changing student behaviour, and children's resilience. Creating joyful learning environments that support mental wellbeing in schools. Tune in for insights into how schools, parents, and educators can work together to build emotionally supportive environments where children feel understood, supported, and ready to learn. For queries:⁠Kaveri Group of Institutes⁠+91 73855 42290⁠admin@kaveri.edu.in⁠ You, Me & The School Counsellor is hosted and produced by Partners in UpBringing for the Kaveri Group of Institutes. Through conversations with counsellors, psychologists, educators, parents and school leaders, the podcast explores student wellbeing, behaviour, learning challenges and the support systems in schools that help children flourish. You, Me & The School Counsellor — because every child deserves to be understood. Podcasts Hosts: ⁠Kalyani Vaidya⁠ and ⁠Himani Kanitkar

    Ep# 5 Significance of Counselling for Middle Years
  2. Sep 15

    Ep#4 School Counselling for the Early Years

    When we think about school counselling, we often think of older children or situations where something is “wrong.” But what role can counselling play in the early years? In this episode of You, Me & The School Counsellor, we speak with Deepa Kajale, Play and Arts-Based Therapist and Senior School Counsellor at Kaveri Group of Schools, who has nearly a decade of experience working with children in the Foundation and Preparatory Years. How do counsellors support young children when they may not yet have the words to express what they are feeling? What does counselling look like for a child under 10? And how can early support help children grow emotionally — without turning counselling into a way of “fixing” problems? We also explore the role parents play in the counselling journey and why emotional support in the early years can be about understanding, expression and growth. In this episode, we talk about:• Why counselling matters in the early years• How counsellors understand and support young children• What play and creative expression can tell us about a child• The role of parents in the counselling process• How early support can contribute to emotional and personality development• Moving beyond the idea of counselling as something that is only needed when there is a problem A conversation for parents, teachers and educators who want to better understand the emotional world of young children and support them as they grow. For queries:Kaveri Group of Institutes+91 73855 42290admin@kaveri.edu.in You, Me & The School Counsellor is hosted and produced by Partners in UpBringing for the Kaveri Group of Institutes. Through conversations with counsellors, psychologists, educators, parents and school leaders, the podcast explores student wellbeing, behaviour, learning challenges and the support systems in schools that help children flourish. You, Me & The School Counsellor — because every child deserves to be understood. Podcasts Hosts: Kalyani Vaidya and Himani Kanitkar

    Ep#4 School Counselling for the Early Years
  3. Aug 15

    Ep#3 Role of a School Counsellor

    What does school counselling really look like from the inside? And how can counsellors, teachers, and parents work together to better support students? In this episode of You, Me & The School Counsellor, we speak with Sanika Natu, a psychologist and school counsellor based in Pune. With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Sanika works closely with students, parents, and teachers, supporting children through academic, emotional, and behavioural challenges. We explore: • Common concerns that bring students to the counselling room • How counselling approaches differ in a school environment • The importance of building authentic rapport with students • How counsellors identify and address a child’s core concern • The role of teachers and parents in supporting a child’s wellbeing • Why the counselling room can be a space where children can simply be themselves A thoughtful conversation on understanding children beyond their challenges — and recognising the strengths that often go unnoticed. Do listen and share. If you would like to connect with the experts at the KaveriCounselling, Empowerment & Gifted Centre for: • Personal guidance and counselling support • Setting up a counselling cell in your school • Training educators and counsellors • Building student wellbeing programs Call: 73855 42290 or email admin@kaveri.edu.in You, Me & The School Counsellor is hosted and produced by Himani and Kalyani from Partners in UpBringing forthe Kaveri Group of Institutes. Through conversations with counsellors, psychologists,educators, parents, and school leaders, the podcast explores student wellbeing,behaviour, learning challenges, and the support systems in school set up thathelp children flourish. You, Me & The School Counsellor , because every child deserves to be understood.

    Ep#3 Role of a School Counsellor
  4. Jul 15

    Ep#2 Building a Strong School Counselling Ecosystem

    What does a school counsellor really do? Is counselling only meant for children in crisis, or is it an integral part of creating a healthy school environment? In this episode, we are joined by⁠ Dr. Devasena Desai⁠, Associate Director at ⁠Kaveri Counselling, Empowerment & Gifted Centre.⁠ With over three decades of experience in counselling, gifted education, and child development, Dr. Desai shares how school counselling has evolved and why it is no longer a "nice-to-have" but an essential pillar of every school. Together, we explore the role of school counsellors in promoting emotional wellbeing, building safe and supportive school environments, and working alongside teachers and parents to help every child thrive. In this episode, we discuss: The evolving role of school counsellors in today's schools.How counsellors support students beyond crisis intervention.Creating a school environment where children feel safe, heard, and supported.Supporting students through emotional distress, trauma, and life transitions.School policies and practices that promote positive mental health.How counselling systems have evolved over the years and why every school needs a strong mental wellbeing framework.If you would like to connect with the experts at the Kaveri Counselling, Empowerment & Gifted Centre for: • Personal guidance and counselling support • Setting up a counselling cell in your school • Training educators and counsellors • Building student wellbeing programs Call: 73855 42290 Do Share • School leaders and administrators • Teachers and educators • School counsellors and psychologists • Parents interested in student wellbeing • Anyone passionate about creating emotionally healthy learning environments You, Me & The School Counsellor is hosted and produced by ⁠Himani⁠ and ⁠Kalyani⁠ from ⁠Partners in UpBringing⁠ for the Kaveri Group of Institutes. Through conversations with counsellors, psychologists, educators, parents, and school leaders, the podcast explores student wellbeing, behaviour, learning challenges, and the support systems in school set up that help children flourish. You, Me & The School CounsellorBecause every child deserves to be understood.

    Ep#2 Building a Strong School Counselling Ecosystem
  5. Jun 15

    Ep#1 Counselling Practices Towards Mental Wellbeing In Schools

    Welcome to the very first episode of You, Me & The School Counsellor. In this inaugural episode, we are joined by Mrs. Malathi Kalmadi, Managing Trustee of the Kaveri Group of Institutes and Founding Director of the Kaveri Gifted Education & Research Centre. In this conversation, we explore the vision behind introducing counselling in schools, the changing needs of children and families, and what it takes to build a culture where student wellbeing is seen as a shared responsibility. ✓ Why counselling is an essential part of modern education ✓ The changing emotional and social needs of children ✓ How parenting and childhood have evolved over the years ✓ The Kaveri Group's journey in introducing counselling cells in schools ✓ Creating a school ecosystem that supports student wellbeing ✓ The role of teachers, parents, school leaders, and counsellors ✓ Addressing stigma around seeking support ✓ The financial and practical realities of implementing counselling programs ✓ The impact of counselling on students, parents, and the overall school environment Counselling in schools is not merely about addressing problems when they arise. It is about creating safe spaces, building resilience, fostering self-awareness, and ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Mrs. Malathi Kalmadi is the Managing Trustee of the Kaveri Group of Institutes and Founding Director of the Kaveri Gifted Education & Research Centre. Her work has been instrumental in shaping student wellbeing initiatives and counselling frameworks within schools for over three decades. If you would like to connect with the experts at the Kaveri Counselling, Empowerment & Gifted Centre for: • Personal guidance and counselling support• Setting up a counselling cell in your school• Training educators and counsellors• Building student wellbeing programs Call: 73855 42290 Do Share • School leaders and administrators• Teachers and educators• School counsellors and psychologists• Parents interested in student wellbeing• Anyone passionate about creating emotionally healthy learning environments You, Me & The School Counsellor is hosted and produced by Himani and Kalyani from Partners in UpBringing for the Kaveri Group of Institutes. Through conversations with counsellors, psychologists, educators, parents, and school leaders, the podcast explores student wellbeing, behaviour, learning challenges, and the support systems in school set up that help children flourish. You, Me & The School CounsellorBecause every child deserves to be understood.

    Ep#1 Counselling Practices Towards Mental Wellbeing In Schools

About

You, Me & The School Counsellor (YMSC) is a powerful resource for conselors, educators, parents, and mental health advocates. Children today are growing up in a hyper-connected world defined by information overload, constant academic comparison, intense pressure, and rapid change. As parents, teachers, and school community members, we are frequently left wondering: How do we support them better? How do we help them navigate complex emotions, evolving relationships, diverse learning challenges, and the unique pressures of growing up. This podcast is our answer to those questions.