“Reading is an exercise in empathy;
Malorie Blackman
an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.”
In a world where stress, anxiety, grief, and emotional overwhelm have quietly become part of everyday life, we often struggle to pause, reflect, and truly process what we’re feeling. This program creates that space—through stories, ideas, and meaningful conversations.
This is a therapist-led book discussion series built around the idea that stories—both fiction and non-fiction—can open doors to healing and awareness.
Over the course of a year, we will explore four carefully chosen topics and three books per topic—both fiction and non-fiction—each centred around a key mental health theme such as:
Every month, we meet online to discuss one book in a guided, safe, and non-judgmental environment, led by clinical psychologist Dr. Vandita Dubey.
Monthly Book Discussions:
On last Sunday of the month at 4pm
Internet/smartphone/social media dependence/addiction
(August to October, 2026)
Anxiety Disorders
(May to July, 2026)
If you feel emotionally overwhelmed or triggered by either the reading or the book-club meeting or are feeling anxious, depressed or suicidal, please reach out for help. You can seek help from a trained clinical psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist. If you need to speak with someone urgently, here are the numbers of some helplines in India:
icall-TISS
9152987821
icall-TISS: Website
Vandrevala Foundation
9999666555
Free Counselling: Website
Charges: INR 1500 for a year & INR 500 for a year for students.
Rolling sign-ups. Join anytime during the year.
International participants can join for a fee of USD 25.
(No separate student pricing).
Become part of this community for a year of reflection, connection and growth.
Dr. Vandita Dubey is a US licensed Psychologist and a published author. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Her book "Parenting in the age of Sexposure" was published by Rupa in 2016. She provides individual and group therapy online. She is the expert psychologist featured on the popular youtube channel Zen-brain.
Dr. Vandita Dubey is a US licensed Psychologist and a published author. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Her book "Parenting in the age of Sexposure" was published by Rupa in 2016. She provides individual and group therapy online. She is the expert psychologist featured on the popular youtube channel Zen-brain.
A guided discussion space where books are explored through a lens of mental health, emotions, and life experiences without turning into a therapy session.
Anyone curious about mental health. Whether you’re actively working on yourself, quietly struggling, or just interested in understanding people better, discover more through reading and discussions.
No. You just need an open mind, curiosity and the ability to sit with uncomfortable truths.
We will focus on one theme every quarter. Each month will read a book (fiction or non-fiction) tied to the theme of the quarter. Themes may range from stress, anxiety, grief, or resilience, followed by a guided discussion once a month.
Sessions are led by a clinical psychologist, so you’re not just guessing what the book “means” based on vibes and be backed my knowledge and field experience.
Yes, but participation is optional. You can speak, reflect, or just observe like a thoughtful ghost.
No. Life happens. Emotional breakdowns, deadlines, random existential crises. Pick your excuse.
We will announce them the previous month to give you ample time to buy and read it.
You can still join, but expect spoilers. Also, mild guilt. Mostly spoilers.
Typically one book per month.
Yes. The space is designed to be non-judgmental and respectful.
Absolutely not. You’re allowed to keep your inner chaos private.
No. It’s reflective and supportive, but not a replacement for professional mental health care.
If you want a 1-on-1 session or want to work with Dr.Dubey as a therapist, you can reach out to her separately. Any such work will be on a paid basis.
Yes, with rolling registrations (with lower pricing for students).
Yes, we have rolling registrations.
Yes, we have rolling registrations. However, we cannot give you extra time to read the book of the month.
We will try to keep the price of the paperback under 500/-.
Absolutely.
Yes. You bring your own book and your own thoughts.
Online. So you can attend from your bed, your desk, or your “I’m fine” corner.
Yes, as long as time zones don’t cause you to lose sleep.
* A deeper understanding of mental health
* New perspectives on your own experiences
* The rare skill of actually sitting with your thoughts
Yes, but more importantly, it helps you build a thinking habit. Which is both a gift and a mild inconvenience.
Thoughtful, reflective, occasionally intense – but guided so it doesn’t spiral into chaos.
Perfectly. You can engage at your own pace without being forced into performative sharing.
That’s possible. You’re dealing with real themes. Take breaks, go slow, and remember that you’re allowed to engage at your own emotional capacity.
No we do not issue a certificate for book club participation.
You can recommend in advance and it will be taken into consideration. However, the final decision remains with Dr.Dubey. (Pssst, you can read more than one book a month you know?)
