Connecting Through Creative Play:
The Praanah Philosophy
About Bhaktiveda
Bhaktiveda is an Expressive Art Therapist, Sound Healing Practitioner and a Breathwork Facilitator. She is the founder of “Praanah – Expressive Awakening (2009) which conducts training courses, retreats and wellness programs aimed at ‘transformation, release and healing’.
She graduated from Trinity College, USA in 2007, with honors in her self-designed major: “Expressive Arts Therapy” and then went on to doing her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counselling – with a focus on Expressive Arts from Lesley University, U.S.A. and has also completed the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from European Graduate School, Switzerland. She has recently trained as a Global Health Leader from the Norwegian Institute of Expressive Art Therapy.
Along with the backing of Expressive Arts she is also a Sound Healer ( Svaram, Auroville) and a Conscious Connected Breathwork Facilitator (Celtic Breathwork). Keeping the subconscious, spontaneous and expressive artistic process at the core, Bhaktiveda believes in a multi modal approach towards integral self-discovery. She uses a variety of ways with breath, dance/movement, sound/music, drama, art, crafts, figurines and clay in a non-judgmental setting that work individually and in group settings for a cathartic release.
Her work with a variety of populations includes special needs, communities, educational institutions, healthcare (cancer patients in palliative care), retreats, private groups and corporates to promote healing, self -awareness, clarity, confidence building, stress release, shedding inhibitions and progress of the self. She has been the pioneer of Expressive Art Therapy in India, and is currently focusing on creating wellness excursions and programs across the world.
Focusing on the Founder's Vision
Our Story: Rooted in Authentic Expression
Founded in 2009 upon Bhaktiveda’s return from the US, Praanah emerged from her dissertation research. This research highlighted the significant psychological and physiological benefits of movement, dance, and spontaneous creative expression across cultures. Her comparative study of dance’s impact on children with HIV in an Indian NGO versus those in a North American kindergarten revealed its positive influence in both contexts. This cross-cultural experience solidified her belief in the universality and versatility of dance and expressive arts to transcend cultural boundaries.
Recognizing the universal language of human emotion, Bhaktiveda observed dance fostering inclusivity, muscle memory, attention span, and self-esteem, particularly for non-academically inclined children. For a child facing poverty and terminal illness, dance offered joy and a vital connection to life.
Over time, Bhaktiveda broadened her approach, realizing movement wasn’t the sole pathway to inner connection, especially for those with trauma or limited mobility. This led her to embrace the wider field of expressive arts. Her master’s research focused on a student with ADHD, and she further pursued a Master’s in Mental Health Counselling with a specialization in Expressive Art Therapy to explore diverse solutions for human challenges.
Connecting to Our Roots: A Holistic Path to Well-being Through Expressive Arts, Breath & Sound
What is Expressive Arts?
Dating back to the prehistoric era, the earliest echoes of human history when art, sound and movement was a primal need for all humans for communication, the field of Expressive Arts has grown as individuals are not able to express themselves without judgement due to our societal conditioning.
Expressive Arts uses any kind of artistic material that can be used to express an individual’s emotional landscape without being cognitively affected or altered by the pressure of the outcome. The influence is not an external source but the true feelings and emotions of the individual.
The integral theme of the work is that “words can not express how one truly feels” and thus through artistic mediums an individual is able to connect to the truest parts of themselves, and thus realize their own potential and strengths so that they can work from conflict to resolution towards inter and intrapersonal issues that they face.
The central tenet of our approach is that “feelings often transcend the limitations of language.” Through artistic mediums, individuals gain access to the deepest parts of themselves, fostering self-awareness and realizing their innate potential. This process enables them to address internal and external conflicts, facilitating growth and movement towards resolution and greater personal harmony.
Alongside this, we incorporate conscious breathing techniques to regulate the nervous system, release tension, and enhance self-awareness. Furthermore, the therapeutic application of sound and vibration works on a cellular level to promote relaxation, balance energy centers, and facilitate emotional release. The inspiration for healing comes from within – the raw, unfiltered feelings and the body’s innate wisdom.The driving force behind all these approaches is not external influence, but rather the genuine feelings and emotions residing within.
By engaging with various artistic materials, individuals can freely explore and express their emotional world without the constraints of conscious thought or the fear of evaluation and judgement.
Over the years, Praanah has built a rich and diverse portfolio, impacting various sectors through its unique approach.
Our experience includes:
<b>Corporate Wellness</b> Delivering impactful programs for leading organizations such as JP Morgan, Sony India, Deloitte, Pernod Ricard and Adani Realty.
<b>Special Needs Support for Children:</b> Working with institutions like Very Special Arts India, New Delhi (for abandoned mentally challenged children and slow learners), Tamanna School (for autistic patients).
<b>Empowering Young Adults with Special Needs:</b> Skill Shakti a young adult inclusive support group in Mumbai for soft skills and placements.
<b>Healthcare & Well-being:</b> Collaborating with Sanjeevani, an NGO supporting cancer survivors, Volunteered at Narayna Children’s Hospitals.
<b>Arts & Culture:</b> Contributing to the prestigious Kala Ghoda Arts Festival organized by the Times of India, Rotary Club, Vivaan HandPan Gathering, Mystic Lotus Healing Festival, Awakening Shakti Festival, The Anahata Collective.
<b>Education & Training:</b> Facilitating numerous workshops and courses in educational settings, including Aditya Birla World School, Mpower, Chitkara University, Creative Movement Therapy Association (Diploma Course), Swahansa Women’s Christian College (Diploma Course), and Indus Altum International School.
Furthermore, Praanah empowers aspiring professionals through its annual certification course, exploring the applications of Expressive Arts in Creative Education, Healthcare, Mental Health, Social Work, and Corporate Well-being.
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Vision
To create a platform that integrates and applies art and alternative therapies for education, healing, and wellness.
Mission
By offering a diverse range of modalities, workshops, and programs, we empower individuals to access the resources they need to express and heal themselves. We believe that the expression of the subconscious mind serves as medicine for the soul. Every individual deserves the opportunity to be their authentic self in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.