About Me

I am AKANSHAA HIRRAANIa dedicated psychologist.

Founder

AKANSHAA HIRRAANI

Hi, I am Akanshaa Hirraani, a sport psychologist and counsellor based in Pune, India. I hold an M.Sc. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Halmstad University, Sweden, along with postgraduate qualifications in counselling and school psychology. At Calmfit Counselliing, I work with athletes, children, families, and professionals, helping them manage pressure, build confidence, and perform at their best without losing their inner balance. My work is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Person-Centred Therapy. I have worked with athletes in India and Sweden and have contributed published articles on sports, men’s mental health, school counselling, ADHD, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Body image issues, Cancer, Epilepsy, and Caregivers’ mental health to the Rotary Action Group of Mental Health Initiatives 3030’s Mind Matters publication. I am available for both online and offline sessions; however, consultations are strictly by prior appointment only.

Educational Background

Master of Science in Research and Applied work in Sport and Exercise Psychology | Halmstad University, Sweden

Post graduate diploma in School Psychology| Jnana Prabodhini's Institute of Psychology, Pune

Master of Arts (Counseling Psychology) | Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) | St. Mira's College for Girl's , Pune.

Schooling | Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (SSSIHL), Puttaparthi, Andra Pradesh

Work Experience: (7 years of experience)

Helped the students in recognising and assessing their learning techniques and weakness areas, taught and explaining theories to students, answered to their inquiries, helped with assignments, and recommended the students appropriate learning methods/study techniques. Focussed on children's study and behavioural issues like lack of concentration, bullying, physical fights, misbehaving with peers, low motivation and self-esteem.                                                                                              

Athlete Counsellor. Identified mental strengths and weaknesses that affected athlete's performance. Developed strategies based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Value based, and Mindfulness that enabled the athlete to cope with stress, overcome setbacks and injury. Helped several athletes in adapting visualisation, self-talk, cognitive restructuring and goal setting technique to gain confidence and motivation to play football.

Led a team of 100 youth in organizing both online and field events, focusing on monthly social service initiatives. Collaborated with teachers at government schools to teach value-based education and coordinated with nine other coordinators. Demonstrated leadership skills through regular team-building activities, managed organizational responsibilities, and maintained composure under pressure.

Worked under a licensed counsellor and dealt with several school going children online, dealt with their low motivation, low self-esteem, covid issues, concentration issues, stress management, behavioural issues, anger and social isolation. Study techniques, stress management techniques, person-centered therapy, group and individual counselling was done with the children.

Worked under a Licensed Counselor. Dealt with Psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, Person centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy in individual and group counselling cases. Assisted in creating treatment plans for patients based on assessment of their needs. Conducted online workplace counselling and offered the teams, confidential mental health support. Helped employees deal with personal and professional issues that affected their ability to perform well at work.

Dealt with college and school students’ stress. Stressful life events were shared by students. In the form of activities, relaxation techniques, role play, mindfulness were taught to students. The ability to cope with the pressures were taught to all. Stress management programs are the most suitable way to empower students and professionals to manage stress while maintaining a great sense of balance at work.

Ran a data gathering campaign for below poverty line communities. As a part of that, visited 3 communities and conducted surveys on alternative days.

Research Dissertation

  1. 2022 – 2023. Career Development of Successful Indian Elite Soccer Players. Narrative Research in Media material analysis. Thematic analysis was performed. Detailed research performed in Patterns of career development and Factors of success in male v/s female in Indian context. I Under the Guidance of Senior Professor of Halmstad University, Sweden. Published with the University.https://hh.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1778194&dswid=-1249
  2. 2019-2020 l Master’s Dissertation on Emotional Intelligence in Young Adults l Correlational studies were done on Male and female young adults. A questionnaire was designed and surveys were conducted. Quantitative analysis (Pearson’s Product Moment correlation) was performed on SPSS and found that female young adults were more emotionally intelligent than male young adults.
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