Holistic healers
Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, Athma Shakti Vidyalaya takes a radically different approach to treating the mentally ill. Here the therapist becomes the parent of the mentally ill person and the same kind of bond and love is shared between the two. While mainstream medicine asks doctors and patients to maintain a distance, at Athma Shakti, personal relationships with patients are nurtured. Affection is openly expressed.
But love and affection are not the only healers at Athma Shakti. The patients' cognitive, emotional and social skills are developed, preparing them to take charge of their own lives. Members share housework and participate in activities together. They then become healers to the others.
Athma Shakti’s success has inspired other people to reach out to the mentally ill. Atmaviswas Vidyalaya in Valsad is one such place. After their daughter's mental illness, Bipin Malia and his family started the organization in Gujarat. Here too patients get personal attention to help them heal. Activities like yoga and meditation are practiced.
Both Athma Shakti and Atmaviswas are examples that community-based therapies work wonders. Nothing is more powerful than the embrace of a caring society.