Lilac Insights
AtEase is an inclusive mental health platform by Lilac Insights that caters to women (cis-women & transwomen) and non-binary individuals (gender identities that are outside the binary of man & woman) with different stories. It is led by Richa Vashista (Masters in Clinical Psychology), a mental health professional who works at the intersections of Gender and Sexuality. The platform offers a safe space for women of all identities and non-binary individuals, while maintaining confidentiality and privacy during sessions. The platform aims to support individuals reclaim their fulfilling, enjoyable and purposeful lives they so richly deserve.
AtEase uses client-centred and evidence-based approaches to reduce depression, anxiety, burnout and other mental health related issues experienced by women and non-binary individuals to move towards their preferred stories. We use an intersectional, queer affirmative and social justice lens in counseling and therapy, as we continue to work with people in the margins. The experts associated with AtEase have been curated based on their professional expertise of working in the LGBTQIA+ and women’s mental health space.
How are you feeling today?
Most individuals experience distress in their daily life. Some people can manage their issues on their own while some require professional support. The way mental health impacts all genders can look similar. However, women (cis-women and transwomen) and non-binary individuals (gender identities that are outside the binary of man & woman) often face different challenges such as unequal economic and social conditions (for example, unequal pay and opportunities for promotion, glass-ceiling effect, caregiver burnout, unpaid household work) than cis-men. Such situations can contribute to a higher risk of experiencing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, in a world that wants to box people’s identities, non-binary individuals often find themselves battling with the whole system of gender. Society often pushes people to gender binaries and leaves non-binary individuals feeling unsettled, for ‘not picking a side.’
The first and most important step on the road to mental wellness is acknowledging that it is absolutely okay to ask for help when you need it. For many, taking this first step can be challenging. Due to high societal expectations and pressures, women and non-binary individuals who are assigned female at birth, often tend to feel the need to be strong and nurturing caregivers for their families, friends, and communities. Moreover, they are also expected to know how to address their own struggles and support others too. This further forces women and non-binary individuals to maintain a social facade of ‘doing it all by themselves’ and ‘being superhuman’, which in turn takes a significant toll on their mental health and overall wellbeing.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health challenges, we offer support in the following ways:
| Individual Therapy 18+ years of age |
Couples Therapy | Family Therapy | Psychiatric Consultation 18+ years of age |
Corporate Emotional Wellness (Request for a call) |
| Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) |
Trauma Informed Therapy | Narrative Therapy | Systems Therapy | Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) |
Person Centred Therapy | Art Based Therapy |
According to the American Psychiatric Association, although all genders can experience mental health conditions, they may differ in regards to risk, prevalence, presentation, course and treatment of mental disorders.
Our experts will support you in the process of understanding and managing the symptoms you are experiencing - whether you have a formal psychiatric diagnosis or not.
Our experts are also trained in supporting women and non-binary individuals who are experiencing:
Over two thirds of primary caregivers are individuals assigned female at birth, who are expected to care for their partners, parents and children. While this brings joy to many, it can also be a major stressor. Alongside, managing the demands of competing paid and unpaid work / time can have a major impact on their physical, biological, social, and mental health and also on their financial security and independence. (Read more)
If you identify as a woman or non-binary individual, the challenges you face at your workplace require a better understanding. The inequality faced at work, especially by married working women or individuals from different marginalized subsets, can affect not only their mental well-being but also that of those around them. Our platform is focused at understanding how mental health issues impact women and non-binary individuals with jobs as well as home makers and how mental health professionals can best understand this global phenomenon in order to improve their occupational and social functioning. (Read more)
If you identify as Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, Trans* or Non-Binary, there is a high possibility of experiencing challenges that may look identical but are distinctly different from other LGBTQIA+ individuals or heterosexual counterparts. (Read more)
Major life transitions such as pregnancy, parenthood and menopause can contribute to physical and emotional stressors for birthing and non-birthing partners. Negative life experiences – infertility and perinatal loss, poverty, discrimination, violence, unemployment and isolation – also impact mental health and wellbeing of birthing and non-birthing partners.
As per the World Health Organization
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends universal screening for depression and anxiety disorders during pregnancy.
Choose an expert
Block your calendar
Brief client intake
Connect for therapy session
| Access therapy from anywhere, using a safe and secure method | Choose a qualified therapist of your choice | Personalized care and support | Schedule sessions based on your availability |
She/Her
Psychiatrist
Dr. Syeda Ruksheda is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specialising in adolescents, young adults, women and families. She is trained in the esteemed medical institutes of Mumbai with a WHO Fellowship from South Korea in psycho-social rehabilitation. She serves as Co-Chair of women's mental health specialty section of Indian Psychiatric Society and National General Secretary of Indian Association of Biological Psychiatry.
She/They
Mental Health Professional
Richa Vashista is the Chief Mental Health Expert at Lilac Insights and heads AtEase, an inclusive mental health platform. She has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from SNDT University, Mumbai. She is a Mumbai based Mental Health Professional working at the intersections of Gender and Sexuality since 2014. The approaches she uses are Cognitive, Behaviour Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy and Person Centred Therapy.
Disclaimer: AtEase does not provide crisis support; when an individual is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or is showing symptoms of severe clinical disorders. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, reach out to a suicide helpline in your country of residence: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
In psychotherapy or “talk therapy,” a therapist will work with you to:
Therapy can help you function better, enhance your well-being, and support you in your healing journey. There are different methods and formats of therapy. For example, some types of therapy help you change how you think and behave, while other types of therapy help you better understand underlying issues. You may have one-on-one therapy (with just you and the expert) or family or couples therapy, in which you and family members or your partner may work with an expert.
Privacy and confidentiality is an essential part of counseling. Everything you share with the expert remains confidential. With this said,there could be some infrequent exceptions to this including the possibility of danger to yourself or others. You can discuss this in detail with our experts during sessions to address all your concerns.
Counseling and psychotherapy give you the opportunity to talk with a trained professional, who can offer support and new perspectives on your issues. It gives you the time, safe and non-judgemental space and encouragement to explore and understand the issues you are experiencing. While counseling is not a magic or an instant cure, it can help you clarify the problems, set realistic goals and help you move towards your preferred stories. A psychologist will be able to provide you with a safe space to reflect on your circumstances. The aim is that in time, this will increase your awareness of yourself, your situation, and the choices that are open to you. It will also provide structure and support for you in painful and difficult times. The counsellor will not tell you what to do, give you direct advice or make you talk about anything you do not want to talk about. Counseling can help you to focus on and enhance your understanding of issues that concern you.
It is time to seek support from a mental health professional if:
Are your concerns getting in the way of enjoying your daily life? Do you feel overwhelmed, worried, or unsatisfied? Are you finding it challenging to make the changes you want to make in your life? Are you feeling stuck or unsatisfied in your relationships? If so, counseling may help you. A counselor can offer practical assistance, support, compassion, different perspectives, new strategies, and equip you with coping skills so that you can make the changes you want in your life.
Talking with a therapist offers a psychological space that friends or family cannot provide. Our experts can offer a space that has no bias or judgement. They also have years of formal training and they use evidence-based interventions to support you. They empower you to make an informed choice rather than offering you advice. The ‘severity' of a problem discussed in counseling is relative - counseling is valid whether a concern appears minimal or feels overwhelming. People who engage in counseling often find the process helpful to understand themselves better.
On the basis of the concerns shared by the client, the counseling/ therapy sessions are planned and accordingly the client may get a rough idea of the tentative number of sessions. However, there are times when the client might want to work on some other issues which can continue the sessions further.
The first session is an opportunity to meet with the AtEase expert and understand the nature of therapy and create a plan of action. Usually, we discuss what has brought you to see us at this time and think together about a way forward, including the frequency of sessions.
You can book an appointment by selecting an expert of your choice, here to book a session.
You may also Contact Us directly & we will guide you through the process.
In order to help as many individuals, couples and families as possible we ask you to adhere to these cancellation policies. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
If you identify as a woman (cis-woman & transwoman) or non-binary individual facing mental health challenges, this platform is for you.
