Collaboration can be seen as an opportunistic attitude imposed by another to accomplish a goal jointly, any other word or a way of life. You can either collaborate when it suits you or you can collaborate in every possibility that life presents, with anyone. I prefer the latter. I wish to not use “collaboration” as a team thing – only used towards my own advantage. For me the goal is always the best outcome- if not for me then at least someone else.
Currently I collaborate with people in at least four or five domains as follows:
In research: In writing, supporting others’ writing (via dialogue, editorial backup or guiding) and guiding Ph.D. researchers (among others they are at the Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad);
In counseling: With individual clients, their families, couples or families by themselves. Counseling is a mentoring process, in which based on my tripartite knowledge of mental health issues, I support every individual/couple/family accomplish the goal of living a life of meaning, reclaiming their power in diverse domains and create the life they wish for themselves. Right now the work is confined to individuals or families one at a time, but in future we hope to work more in groups, and perhaps not from Faridabad. For those who wish to exit psychiatric medication our team support is among the best thing they can find in this country anywhere. Its documentation is now happening but in the meantime people are coming in and getting supported & healed at all junctures, across the spectrum of illness/disability and suffering.
With my domestic team: by at times guiding the work or even doing it physically whenever I have the time, or offering something to eat/drink/incentivize via bonus for festivals. This is extended to people who also work around in my locality, or the wider social networks in my area.
In teaching: This primarily remains within the domain of classical music for now and collaborations are between me and the children/families- which help us change timings, give & take feedback freely. But whenever I go to universities and departments (education, psychology or law) I bring this collaborative stance to the workshops or dialogues I have with students (undergraduates, graduates and researchers).
In mentoring: There are several who mentor me in diverse domains, and with them I come with utmost respect, and regard for their skills, knowledge and time. And I extend it outward to those I mentor myself.
These many dimensions of collaboration do not give me the scope for any unplanned activity, unless it is an emergency. I can always accommodate everyone as long as it is planned. Please remain mindful of this whenever you wish to set up a time with me for anyone or anything.
And yes, more than one dialogue with incoming clients of counseling is always billed the same as regular counseling charges. So please be certain to ask all your questions in the first free dialogue. Please remember they are not your case-history queries since that takes at least one long session to ascertain.
You are always welcome to ask or share (a) about what you wish/hope to accomplish from counseling, (b) the span of time one can foresee at the outset it may take to deal with the underlying issues, (c) the modus operandi and other such queries.
Parts That Make Me Whole 