At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this, we invited Mita Menezes for an exclusive interview with us. She is a Psychologist, Mental Health Therapist, Coach, Counsellor and Co-Founder of Turtle Balance Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Mita:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey into the world of mental health and therapy has been deeply personal and transformative rooted in my own past experiences and challenges. I was always fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour and relationships, trying to understand myself and others around me.
After completing my Master’s in Psychology, I specialized in Experiential Therapy, studying in Switzerland, the UK, and the US. This specialization allowed me to blend traditional therapeutic methods with more immersive, hands-on techniques, which resonated deeply with me.
I found that healing could extend beyond words, by engaging the mind and body in unison—a process that truly helps clients connect with their emotions and experiences in a transformative way. My deep love and passion for this field also led me to pursue a PhD in Switzerland, where I am further deepening my research and expertise.
I co-founded Turtle Balance along with my husband, where we focus on helping individuals and couples heal from trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. We understand the profound impact of trauma on mental health, leading to problems like anxiety, poor decision-making, unhealthy relationships, low self-esteem, and C-PTSD.
Our approach blends evidence-based experiential therapies, such as Psychodrama, Expressive Arts Therapy, NLP, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Gestalt, and IFS, with traditional methods like CBT, REBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, and EMDR. This eclectic and integrated approach ensures that we provide comprehensive and tailored therapeutic experiences for our clients.
My practice is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow, and my goal is to provide the tools and support necessary for that journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique stories, which has enriched my understanding and approach to therapy.
‘Turtle Balance’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
Growing up the story of turtle and hare always stayed with me as I was a slow learner myself, and the story gave me comfort that slow and steady always wins the race. Additionally, the turtle represents adaptability and wisdom, qualities that are essential in navigating life’s challenges and in the journey toward healing.
The word “Balance” is inspired by Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Taoism, which symbolize the yin and yang and the internal balance of mind, body, and spirit.
The name “Turtle Balance” symbolizes the gradual and steady path toward healing and balance. Turtles carry their homes on their backs, similar to how we carry our experiences, traumas, and emotions within us. They move at their own pace, serving as a reminder that healing is not a race but a journey that demands patience and self-compassion.
At Turtle Balance, our core focus is on helping individuals and couples recover from complex trauma, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Many of my clients struggle with the lingering effects of past abuse, feelings of low self-worth, or anxiety that affect their ability to form healthy relationships.
By integrating Experiential Therapy with traditional talk therapy, I help them reconnect with themselves, build healthier relationships, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. At Turtle Balance, my purpose is to walk beside you, helping you rebuild your sense of self and empower you to create the relationships you deserve – both with yourself and with others.
What future plans or projects do you have for Turtle Balance?
At Turtle Balance, I’m always looking for ways to expand and enhance the services we offer. One of my future plans is to develop specialized group therapy programs that cater to different needs, such as trauma recovery, relationship enhancement, and anxiety management. Group therapy provides a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and support.
I’m also passionate about making mental health support more accessible. To achieve this, I’m working on creating a range of online resources, including workshops, webinars, and self-help guides, that can reach a broader audience.
These initiatives are all part of my vision to make Turtle Balance a comprehensive resource for those seeking to improve their lives and relationships, no matter where they are on their healing journey.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going is the belief in the transformative power of healing and the deep connections I build with my clients. Therapy is not just a profession for me; it’s a calling. Witnessing the resilience and growth of the individuals and couples I work with is incredibly rewarding. Even in the face of challenges, knowing that I can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life is what fuels my passion.
The trust my clients place in me is also a significant driving force. It motivates me to keep my curiosity alive, continually explore new approaches, and find innovative ways to support them. I love challenges, especially those that push me to think differently and adapt my methods to help someone in a unique and effective way.
Additionally, the unwavering support of my husband plays a crucial role in keeping me grounded and motivated. His belief in my work and constant encouragement helped me navigate the tougher days.
Moreover, I believe in the ripple effect of healing—when one person heals, it has the potential to positively impact their relationships, families, and communities. This vision of creating a healthier, more connected world drives me to keep pushing forward, even when the path is difficult.
Can you share a success story from your practice that you found particularly inspiring?
One of the most inspiring success stories from my practice involved a client who had been struggling with severe anxiety and trust issues due to a history of childhood trauma. When we first started working together, she found it difficult to open up and was stuck in a cycle of self-criticism and isolation.
Through our sessions, we worked on building her self-esteem and addressing the root causes of her anxiety. We also focused on developing healthier coping mechanisms and communication skills. Over time, she not only overcame her anxiety but also formed a supportive, loving relationship—something she had thought was impossible for her. Seeing her transform from someone who was fearful and self-doubting to a confident individual who believes in her worth was incredibly rewarding.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons I’ve learned are:
1) Travel is a powerful teacher. It broadens our understanding by exposing us to different cultures and ways of life, helping us appreciate diversity and learn valuable lessons about humanity.
2) The Power of Vulnerability: Being open and vulnerable is not a weakness; it’s a strength. It’s through vulnerability that we connect deeply with others and ourselves, paving the way for authentic relationships and healing.
3) Self-Compassion and Kindness: Healing begins with being kind to yourself and others. It’s easy to be your own harshest critic, but true growth comes from accepting and loving yourself as you are. At the same time, kindness towards others and helping in our own way is essential. This world isn’t just about “me” but “we,” and embracing a morality of well-being makes this world a compassionate place and our lives more meaningful.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success, to me, is multifaceted. It’s not just about achieving goals but about how we grow and evolve along the way.
The keys to success include:
a) Self-awareness: Understanding who you are—your strengths, areas for growth, and your own pitfalls—is crucial. This awareness allows you to align your actions with your values and goals while putting in the effort to improve continuously.
b) Consistency: Success often comes from small, consistent actions over time. Whether in therapy or any other area of life, showing up regularly and committing to your goals is essential.
c) Adaptability and Curiosity: Life is full of unexpected changes. Being able to adapt and respond with flexibility, curiosity, spontaneity, and creativity is a critical component of success. Embrace the journey without worrying about others’ judgment, and allow yourself to explore and grow.
d) Health and Well-being: Taking care of your physical and mental health is foundational to success. Developing healthy practices or rituals supports not only your well-being but also your ability to stay focused and resilient.
e) Empathy, Honesty, and Transparency: Being empathetic, honest, and transparent in your interactions fosters trust and deeper connections. These qualities not only enrich your relationships but also contribute to your overall success.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice to students and young professionals is to pursue a career that resonates with your passion and purpose. When you are passionate and even a little bit crazy about what you do, it sustains you through both successes and setbacks, keeping your enthusiasm alive regardless of the outcome.
It’s also important to stay curious and open to learning, as the world is constantly evolving. Invest in understanding yourself—your strengths, interests, and values—and let that guide your career choices.
Believe in yourself and trust the unique path you are on. Rather than focusing solely on success or the end goal, immerse yourself in the journey. Embrace the process, and let your growth and learning be the reward. This approach allows you to develop your skills and talents without the pressure of competition, making your progress more meaningful and fulfilling.
It’s also valuable to focus your energy on one thing at a time. This deepens your expertise and allows you to fully explore your interests. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, and it’s through challenges that we learn the most.
Lastly, seek out mentors and build a strong support network. The guidance and encouragement from others can be invaluable as you navigate your career journey.
Remember, it’s not just about where you’re going but how you get there that truly matters.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying is seeing the positive impact my work has on the lives of others. When clients tell me that they’ve experienced significant breakthroughs, healed from past wounds, or improved their relationships, it reaffirms that I’m on the right path. The satisfaction comes from knowing that I am contributing to their growth and well-being.
Additionally, the continuous learning and evolution in my field keep me excited. Every client is unique, and their stories push me to keep expanding my knowledge and refining my approach. This dynamic and ever-evolving nature of therapy ensures that I am always engaged and passionate about my work.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
