Hello, I’m Manaali.

I’m so glad you found your way here.

Friend of the Mind was founded in 2016 and, in many ways, it feels like something I was always growing towards. The name comes from the Sanskrit meaning of my own name  friend of the mind and over the years it has become both the philosophy behind my work and the way I hope people feel when they spend time in this community.

I’ve always been drawn to creativity.

As a child, drawing, painting and making things from whatever materials I could find became a way of understanding the world around me. During times of change, creativity gave me somewhere to think, feel and make sense of experiences that words couldn’t always capture. Long before I knew expressive arts therapy existed, I was already discovering the quiet power of the creative process.

That curiosity eventually became my profession.

I completed training in Expressive Therapies before studying Psychology, Sociology and Economics, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology and a Master of Mental Health, specialising in Art Therapy, at the University of Queensland. Alongside these studies, I’ve continued learning through teaching, supervision, research, facilitation and working alongside diverse communities both in Australia and internationally.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan- from young children to older adults in schools, universities, community organisations, refugee services, mental health settings, private practice and organisational wellbeing programs. Each experience has reinforced the same belief: meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to become curious.

Although I’m a registered Creative Arts Therapist, counsellor, educator and coach, I don’t believe transformation comes from having all the answers. I believe it begins with slowing down, paying attention, asking thoughtful questions and making space for new perspectives to emerge.

My own creative practice continues to ground me. I’ve never considered myself a professional artist, and that’s exactly the point. Around here, creativity isn’t about producing beautiful artwork- it’s about exploring, experimenting, reflecting and reconnecting with yourself. I care far more about the process than the finished product.

Today, Friend of the Mind has grown beyond therapy into something broader: a space where education, experiences and community come together. Through workshops, courses, practitioner mentoring, organisational work and individual support, my hope is to make psychology, creativity and wellbeing feel accessible, practical and deeply human.

Whether you’ve arrived here looking for support, learning, inspiration or simply a place to pause, I’m grateful you’re here.

I hope Friend of the Mind becomes exactly what its name has always intended to be:

... a friend to your mind.