I started this blog on 19 May 2006, and if it wasn’t for the chance scrolling through of ‘memories’ on Facebook, it might have slipped my attention that it’s been two decades since that first post.

To say that I am a psychology blogger would be a shame now, for I haven’t posted here for about 5 years, but at one time, I derived part of my identity from being a psychology blogger, so an update is in order.

They say you must wish for things carefully, because they may come true. Even at the peak of my blogging passion/ voaction, when The Mouse Trap was listed as one of the top 100 science blogs, and one of the top 10 psychology blogs in the world, I used to mention to friends and anyone who cared to listen, that I would be much happier if my poetry blog was more popular than my psychology blog.

For the past several years, that has been the case. My poetry blog, The Fools Quest, which started a couple of years after The Mouse Trap, has sprinted ahead in terms of posting consistency and viewership. And I have mixed feelings: while I take great pride in being a poet, I can’t let go of that self-identity as a psychology blogger.

Anyways, I logged into The Mouse Trap dashboard after a long time today and saw several unread messages from readers who had tried reaching out to me through the contact form. While the majority were either a request for a guest post (which I unfortunately don’t allow here) or a proposal to increase traffic/generate ad revenue(which are again a strict no-no from me), there were some genuine messages from some genuine readers.

Thomas Armstrong had reached out, informing me that the second edition of his book, Neurodiversity, was being published. I had interviewed him earlier here and wholeheartedly recommend the book. I’m sure the second edition is even better, and if you haven’t read it, go buy it now!

Another reader had enquired:

Greetings from Finland! I found your blog while I was looking for information on Jaak Panksepp’s theories on emotions. I’m on my personal journey of understanding these topics, and happen also to have a podcast (in Finnish), where I cover topics like these. I was just wondering, how has learning about psychology served you in your life? As I understand, you haven’t gotten a degree in the field, but have done a lot of self-studying. Has it been worthwhile your efforts? All the best, 

I found this question very pertinent, and though I have replied personally to the reader, I think it may interest the Mouse Trap readers more generally.

Not having a formal degree in psychology has been both a boon and a bane. It enabled me to explore and learn where my passions took me, and I have covered almost everything under the sun, from positive psychology to clinical psychology, both as a blogger and in my work as a professional.

However, not having a formal degree ensured that self-appointed gatekeepers have been skeptical of my work and value and even actively put me down. That hasn’t stopped me from building an alternate career in psychology.

I study a lot and apply and experiment a lot, plus self-awareness has given me the courage to start things to address the gaps in the well-being and mental health space.

I left a flourishing career in software product development to start as a strengths coach/trainer/facilitator working with corporate clients as well as schools and students. I eventually joined Peakmind as a cofounder and chief solution officer, working with a big team of psychologists to design and deliver well-being and mental health solutions for students, in particular, adolescents preparing for competitive exams. We worked with lakhs of students, some of whom were really critical/suicidal.

Currently, I’m building ManoBuddy, a clinical intelligence layer for therapists. It automates their session record-keeping and helps them with case conceptualisation.

If I had a formal degree in psychology, I might have settled into a regular psychology-based job; my lack of a degree forces me to keep reinventing myself and innovating in this field. And I’m ever grateful for that.

What does the future have in store for me? My poetry blog has picked a rhythm, so things augur well there; If I can be honest, I’m not sure what will happen to my psychology blogging. If you, my dear readers, want to remain in touch, do read my poems here, many of which are psychologically themed.

I am sure my interest will evolve, and so will I. I’m excited for the upcoming decade. I hope you are too!