Interview with Dr. Pinky Goswami | Psychotherapist | Motivational Speaker | Life and Relationship Coach | Corporate and Behaviour-Based Safety Trainer | POSH and POCSO Trainer | Director and Chief Psychologist at 1 Wellness Clinic
At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Dr. Pinky Goswami for an exclusive interview with us. Dr. Pinky is a Psychotherapist, Motivational Speaker, Life & Relationship Coach, Corporate & Behaviour-Based Safety Trainer, POSH & POCSO Trainer and Director and Chief Psychologist at 1 Wellness Clinic. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr. Pinky:
Could you take us through your background and journey?
I’ve been serving in the mental health sector for nearly three decades. I completed my doctoral programme in Behavioural Psychology—a field that has fascinated me for as long as I can remember.
My first exposure to psychology came from my mother, who studied educational psychology as part of her education degree. The respect and depth with which she spoke about the subject sparked my curiosity early on. As I grew older, I realised I could spend hours simply observing people—their behaviours, emotions, choices, and the why behind them.
A defining moment came when I met my mentor, a professor of Philosophy, who spoke passionately about psychology and human behaviour. That conversation anchored my decision to pursue psychology as a lifelong path.
When I began my professional journey, I realised something crucial—psychology was largely confined to academia. After moving to Chandigarh post-marriage, I was even told I was “overqualified” for a counsellor’s role because that job was for a front desk and front desk jobs are also called counsellor’s jobs. That experience revealed a larger issue: people didn’t yet understand what psychologists actually do.
I returned to academia, teaching at institutions such as Amity University (Lucknow), Amity University (Gurgaon) and later IIM University, Gurgaon, where I served as Dean – Academics. Across every institution, I ensured counselling cells were set up for students and faculty. Slowly, I saw a shift—students sought help voluntarily, teachers reached out, and psychology began finding its place as a support system, not just a subject.
Eventually, I opened my own wellness centre by the name of 1 Wellness Clinic. For the last 15 years, I’ve worked extensively across corporates, schools, colleges, individual therapy, and national projects related to women and child development.
Today, my work spans counselling, training, wellness programmes, and policy-driven initiatives—and I feel grateful to have witnessed and contributed to this evolution.
How did you discover your passion?
I realised my passion when I noticed how deeply fulfilled I felt understanding human behaviour—personalities, emotions, patterns, and causes.
Psychology was never just a subject for me; it genuinely excited me. Once I recognised that, everything else aligned naturally.
Having witnessed the evolution of psychology over three decades, how do you see the future of mental health in India?
The shift has been truly heartwarming. Today, I see students saving their pizza money for therapy—and encouraging their parents to seek help. That’s a huge change.
I’ve seen the journey from people asking, “What can a psychologist really do?” to a time where psychiatrists see psychologists as equal collaborators. Psychology today is needed everywhere—corporate wellness, safety training, sports, aviation, education, and public policy.
Years ago, I used to say that accepting your problems is a sign of bravery, not weakness. Back then, it sounded aspirational. Today, it’s reality. People—students, professionals, public figures—are seeking help openly and confidently.
I feel proud to have been part of taking psychology from classrooms to the masses. Building a stand alone psychological health clinic has been a milestone. The fact that psychiatrists now refer clients to my clinic gives me deep validation.
Psychology is now a highly sought-after field, with high academic cut-offs and growing relevance. There is hardly any sector today that doesn’t require psychological insight.
This shift didn’t happen overnight—it came from years of persistence, belief, and relentless commitment. When I look back, I feel a quiet but deep pride in having contributed meaningfully to this journey.
Who has been your biggest source of motivation?
My father has been my greatest source of strength. He made me feel secure and fearless—I always knew I could return to him for support.
My mother laid the foundation of my thinking. And my husband, whom I’ve known for over 32 years, has been a constant pillar. He encouraged me to open my own wellness centre long before mental health services were widely accepted. His belief stayed with me until I finally took that leap.
What strategies have helped you grow as a person and practitioner?
Resilience – grounded in strength and adaptability, both as a person and as a practitioner.
Respect for Every Individual – honouring the dignity of every human being, from children to adults.
Deep Understanding of Human Behavior and Emotions – guiding compassionate and insightful engagement.
Unwavering Patience – present at every moment, with every person, in every circumstance.
Genuine Welcoming Presence – creatinga safe, supportive space for anyone seeking mental health support.
These values shape how I work and how I live.
What, according to you, are the keys to success?
Success is subjective. For me, it lies in:
a) Resilience
b) Not giving up
c) Following your passion
d) Staying committed to the process rather than obsessing over outcomes
When you stay honest to the process, success finds you.
What advice would you like to share with our readers?
It is not wrong to love yourself. Many people spend their lives trying to become who others expect them to be—and in that process, they lose themselves. Understand yourself. Value yourself. Be empathetic towards yourself. Only then can you truly empathise with others.
To women, especially, we take pride in multitasking, but often forget ourselves. You must include yourself in your list of priorities.
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