Pulkit Sharma

A practicing clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counsellor, author and digital creator with two decades of work experience.

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Does true emotional healing come from external sources or from the depths of our being?
Coming soon to The Global i Podcast @globalisocial : Host Mousumi @mousumisink speaks with the well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author, Pulkit Sharma.

The conversation will focus on:
1. Clinical psychology, psychoanalysis and spirituality
2. Contemporary mental health issues
3. Pulkit Sharma's 20-year journey as a clinical psychologist and an author

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

What if true healing begins within?

Join Pulkit Sharma, Clinical Psychologist, Psychoanalytic Therapist, Spiritual Counsellor, and author of When the Soul Heals as he shares his inspiring journey from childhood compassion to helping people heal emotionally and spiritually.

In this powerful conversation with Mousumi Kalita Sachdeva on The Globali Podcast, discover insights on mental health, emotional healing, psychology, spirituality, social media's impact on our minds, and living a meaningful life.

Full episode coming soon on The Global i Podcast.

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Exasperating workouts, measly diets and cosmetic surgeries are becoming a norm as men and women around the globe work hard to fix their imagined ugliness and feel acceptable.

https://t.co/6DQpVCLaCK

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Sex education
Educating your child about sexuality and sexual health is a very important part of parenting which most Indian parents miss. Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author based in Pondicherry, India explains why it is crucial to talk to your growing child about sexuality in a candid manner.

This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team about the mental and sexual health issues confronting the Indian society. Although, it's been more than 13 years since this interview was recorded, the insights given by Pulkit Sharma continue to be very meaningful. #letstalk #parentingtips #sexuality #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Silence in psychoanalysis - Case discussion w/ Pulkit Sharma & Alan Roland
This is a rare recording featuring the renowned and legendary American psychoanalyst, artist, playwright and author Alan Roland (1930-2023) and Pulkit Sharma, an Indian clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author based in Pondicherry, India. Alan Roland was a pioneer in cross-cultural psychoanalysis and called out the western bias inherent in decades of European and American psychoanalysis. He was known for his deeper understanding of the Indian and the Japanese psyche which he developed by living in these countries and working psychotherapeutically with the local population for extended periods.

This is a recording of a clinical case discussion held at VIMHANS Hospital, Delhi (2012) where Pulkit Sharma presented a case of an Indian male client who became silent during the psychotherapy sessions and Alan Roland shared his deep insights and clinical experience on this theme. The case elucidates unconscious personality patterns and conflicts unique to the Indian psyche.

Psychoanalytic therapy continues to be a unique space in contemporary times where silence is welcomed with curiosity and openness unlike other psychotherapies which regard silence as a non-productive expression.

#psychoanalysis #silence #psychotherapy #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Exam stress and parental support
Over the last two decades, exam stress has become a mental health crisis in India with an increasing number of school and college going children reporting intense anxiety, chronic fatigue, mental fog and suicidal ideation. According to Pulkit Sharma, a well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author, timely emotional support and wisdom from parents goes a long way in helping children deal with exam stress.

This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team about the mental health issues confronting the Indian society. Although, it's been more than 13 years since this interview was recorded, the insights given by Pulkit Sharma continue to be very meaningful.

#exampreparation #examstress #parentingtips #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Psychoanalyzing parental pressure
While parental pressure often gets expressed in behavioral, social and academic expectations, there are deep-seated unconscious reasons behind it. Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author summarizes how parents would benefit from understanding their unconscious mind and letting children be.

This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team about the mental health issues confronting the Indian society. Although, it's been more than 13 years since this interview was recorded, the insights given by Pulkit Sharma continue to be irrepressible and timeless.
#parentalpressure #parentingtips #parentingadvice #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Parenting Generation Alpha - Candid reflections of a psychologist
In this candid interview, the well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author, Pulkit Sharma delves deeply into why parenting generation alpha (Gen alpha) children feels so difficult as he responds to the questions brought up by Pondicherry-based entrepreneur and popular content creator, Aryavrat Vardaan (founder Goodman Pondy).

Pulkit Sharma begins with his own experiences as a father and then focuses on different parenting styles, parental guilt, AI and digital companions, the clash between the dreams, abusive parenting and the huge generational divide. He summarizes the time-tested principles of successful parenting and the ways to navigate current challenges smoothly.

#parenting #parentingtips #genalpha #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Unending desires and elusive happiness - Notes from a clinical psychology practice based in psychoanalysis and Indian spirituality

A lot of people come to me with either very clear symptoms belonging to some specific psychological disorder or an unconscious conflict. Then there are a set of young individuals who come with a very diffused disturbance. But there is a third group - the ones who come because they feel a strange dissatisfaction with life. These individuals have been go-getters, trying their best to fulfill their different desires, enjoying indulgences and seeking novelty in all spheres of life.

But even when their desires are fulfilled, the pleasure is always short-lived. Very soon, the hunger for what they do not have begins haunting them and they feel miserable. Working with them as a psychotherapist, I often recall Leo Tolstoy’s protagonist Pahom, the greedy peasant who felt that by acquiring as much land as he could get his hands on, he would eventually lead a marvelous life. However, his greed exhausted him, and he lost his life while trying to secure what he thought was a wonderful bargain.

Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, once said: “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” In other words, happiness is never dependent on what and how much we have but rather is a state of mind. The pursuit of happiness actually requires us to not just achieve in the outside world but also to understand and change our mindset.

We need to sit down and introspect on our unending desires and unrealistic ideals, reminding ourselves of the tides of pleasure and pain that they cause us. As we observe this cycle of craving which begins at despair, entices us to seek gratification, makes us chase several inconsequential goals, takes us through a roller coaster ride where initially there is euphoria and then the same old despair strikes back, we slowly realize that this path is immature and futile.

This awareness of our untransformed vital part gives us the freedom from the cycle of endless cravings and the consequent roller coaster ride of highs and lows. Consequently, we begin to find and appreciate real and lasting happiness.

#MindsetShift #MindsetMatters #restleşme #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Five ways to prevent depression
Depression is a highly prevalent psychological disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. The depressed person also experiences lack of interest in daily activities, disturbed sleeping patterns, intense fatigue, loss of energy and changes in appetite.

Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author highlights five highly effective and time-tested ways of lowering your risk of depression. This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team about the mental health issues confronting the Indian society. Although, it's been more than 13 years since this interview was recorded, the insights given by Pulkit Sharma are irrepressible and timeless.

#depressedlife #sad #prevention
#pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Four ways to cope with work stress
Work stress is an intense physical, emotional and mental reaction to a demanding job, erratic work timings or to a toxic work environment. Understanding it from a deeper perspective and making some important life changes can help reduce occupational stress and its negative consequences on our health.

Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author highlights four ways to beat work stress. This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team about the mental health issues confronting the Indian society. Although, it's been more than 13 years since this interview was recorded, the insights given by Pulkit Sharma are irrepressible and timeless.

#worklifebalance #stress #stressrelief #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Beneath the skin - Psychoanalytic reflections on appearance anxiety
Even though the desire to look beautiful is as old as history, the last few decades have witnessed a raging obsession with appearances. People are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the way they look, and they are desperate to acquire a ‘designer body’ with perfect looks.

This talk on psychoanalytic reflections on appearance anxiety was organized by Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Neuro & Allied Sciences in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It was a part of a 12-month interactive series on Indian psychoanalysis (2012 -2013) curated by Pulkit Sharma who had set up a psychoanalytic therapy unit at VIMHANS, New Delhi.

The speaker is Pulkit Sharma, a well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author now based in Pondicherry, India. In this talk, Pulkit Sharma draws upon his rich psychotherapy and research experience to talk about people who have a severe anxiety due to mild or imaginary defects in their physical appearance.

Highlights of the talk:
1. Signs and symptoms of appearance anxiety
2. The triad of ugly self, traumatic childhood and cognitive distortions
3. Cultural ideals of physical beauty and media influence
4. Dealing with appearance anxiety
#bodypositivity #looks #obsession #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

The drive for thinness
The contemporary society continues to idolize a female body which is thin. This often pushes many girls and women into excessive dieting, self-hatred, preoccupation with body weight, fear of becoming fat and chasing thinness at any cost. Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author carried out pioneering research on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in India in 2003 and since then, he has been spreading awareness against these unrealistic societal standards.

This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team about the Indian society's obsession with thinness.
#bodyimage #thinness #women #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Recipe for mental health
A sound mind and good mental health rests on four foundational pillars: sense of self, balance, being and belongingness. Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author shares his expert opinion on how to build and safeguard these basic foundational pillars.

He also highlights that if things go wrong, one should overcome the inhibitions around seeking help. This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2013 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran Media team.

#mentalhealth #soundmind #wellbeing #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Psychoanalytic therapy for addictions
This talk on psychoanalytic psychotherapy for addictions was organized by Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Neuro & Allied Sciences in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It was a part of a 12-month interactive series on Indian psychoanalysis (2012 -2013) curated by the then newly established psychoanalytic therapy unit at VIMHANS, New Delhi.

The speaker is Pulkit Sharma, a well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author now based in Pondicherry, India. In this talk, Pulkit Sharma draws upon his psychoanalytic psychotherapy experiences, and vast knowledge to challenge the widespread Indian notions around addictions. He argues that addictions are a very complex phenomenon with unconscious roots dating back to early childhood.

Pulkit Sharma invites everyone to look at addictions from a deeper perspective with curiosity and unwavering empathy. Highlights of the talk:
1. Addiction as an emotional shield against pain
2. The impaired capacity to soothe oneself in addicts 3. Addictions, unmet dependency needs and narcissistic gratification
4. Unconscious rage and self-punishment
5. How to work psychoanalytically with individuals suffering from addiction
#addiction #psychoanalysis #psychologytalk #authorpulkit #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Is being gay natural
Being LGBTQ in India involves confronting a complex landscape. Although the Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality in its landmark judgment of 2018, queer marriages, relationships and adoption is not legalized. Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author has been working with the people from LGBTQ community in psychotherapy since 2008.

In this video, he shares his thoughts on the most common question asked by gay men and their families when they come for a psychological consultation - Is being gay normal? This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2015 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran New Media team.

#gaypride #lgbtq #sexuality #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Stuck in time - The Tamil Gay community's struggle for existence:
When I relocated to Pondicherry from Delhi in 2017, I got a globally and a culturally diverse landscape to practice psychotherapy. Pondicherry and Auroville are home to people from over 60 nations and almost all Indian states largely due to the influence of philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. My therapeutic style which is rooted in an amalgamation of psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential psychology and spiritual psychology found creative freedom within this diverse cultural milieu.

It has been also a very enriching experience to work with the local Tamil population. The Tamil culture continues to be rooted in classical antiquity, and its core values of virtue, righteousness, discipline, honor and gratitude are highly idolized and followed by many. I feel that this unique cultural heritage provides a unique stability, depth and robustness to the minds of these people.

But there's one segment of society which has suffered a lot because of this tradition and that's the Tamil gay community. Homophobia (and of course homophobic/transphobic jokes) still has a stronghold in Pondicherry and many parts of Tamil Nadu. Over the last nine years, I have worked with several Tamil gay men in psychotherapy, and I find that they grapple with a lot of social and psychological issues:

1. Being in the closet: A majority of these men do not reveal their sexual orientation and gender identity to their families, relatives and close friends due to a sense of deep shame and fear of ridicule.

2. Psychological symptoms: Consequently, they suffer from anxiety, depression, hopelessness, helplessness, meaninglessness and isolation.

3. Heterosexual marriages: Several gay men allow their families to fix a matrimonial alliance against their will and try to adjust in this marriage for life. This takes a huge toll on their sexual well-being and mental health.

4. Absence of socialization and dating: Many gay men I've worked with do not wish to date or socialize with other gay men because of fear of public scrutiny and shame. Their only contact with other gay men is through dating apps for casual hookups.

5. Most of these men find it hard to even dream about coming out, socializing with other gay men and developing same-sex relationships.

6. The tiny percentage of gay men who dare to come out face a lot of rebuke and ostracization from the family and are made to go through treatments that promise to fix their sexual orientation.

7. The men who hook up with other men via dating apps narrate instances of coercion, emotional and financial blackmailing and this adds to their existing trauma.

Sadly, nothing has changed in the last nine years, and I sincerely hope that Indian and international NGOs working for LGBTQIA+ welfare will someday reach out to this community and help them.

#LGBTQIA #mentalhealth #sexuality #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpukit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Relationship fights
Arguments, differences of opinion and fights are a normal part of any human relationship. However, due to rising emotional and cognitive instability in our society, these fights escalate out of proportion and end up damaging our relationships.

Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author shares his expert opinion on how to navigate these challenges smoothly. This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2015 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran New Media team.

#relationship #mistakes #fights #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Psychoanalytic therapy for depression
While some depressions benefit a lot from pharmacotherapy and cognitve-behavioral therapy (CBT), there are individuals with a depressive personality who don't respond well to these treatments. According to Pulkit Sharma, this is a group of patients who might get hope and relief from psychoanalytic therapy.

The present interactive session was organized by VIMHANS in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It was a part of a 12-month lecture series on Indian psychoanalysis (2012 -2013) curated by the then newly established psychoanalytic therapy unit at VIMHANS, New Delhi. The speaker is Pulkit Sharma, a well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author now based in Pondicherry, India.

Highlights of the session:
1. Understanding the depressive personality
2. Revisiting the role of pathological mourning, shattered self, repressed anger, loss and ambivalence. 3. Disrupted and insecure attachments and consequent helplessness
4. Therapeutic techniques with the depressive personality
#depression #psychoanalysis #therapy #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit

[Pulkit Sharma @authorpulkit]

Two relationship blunders
While every relationship has its own share of ups and downs, there are some huge mistakes one must avoid in order to preserve the relationship. Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author highlights two most important relationship missteps, which can ruin trust and emotional connection.

This is an excerpt from an interview recorded in 2015 in which Pulkit Sharma spoke to Jagran New Media team. #relationship #mistakes #upsanddownsoflife #pulkitsharmaclinicalpsychologist #authorpulkit