OUR STORY

Hello! 

I’m Manaali, founder of 'Friend of the Mind', which I established in 2016. The name comes from the Sanskrit meaning of my own name — friend of the mind — and in many ways, this work reflects something I’ve grown into over time.

I’m a creative arts therapist and educator with a Master of Mental Health (Art Therapy) from the University of Queensland, along with postgraduate training in counselling and wellbeing. Since founding Friend of the Mind, I’ve offered wellbeing, education, and facilitation services internationally across individual, group, and organisational settings.

At the heart of my work is a love for slowing things down, getting curious, and creating spaces where people can explore what’s happening beneath the surface — without pressure to fix, perform, or have it all figured out. I’m drawn to creativity in all its forms, including art-making, movement, conversation, and learning. Whether I’m facilitating workshops, teaching, supervising, or designing programs, I care deeply about warmth, clarity, and making complex ideas feel accessible, embodied, and alive.

Friend of the Mind is grounded in thoughtful, culturally responsive wellbeing and learning. The work centres relational safety, creativity, and evidence-informed practice to support reflection, growth, and psychological safety across individual, group, and organisational contexts.