Dr. Shelja Sen is a leading narrative therapist, acclaimed author, and expert in child and adolescent mental health with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is the Co-founder of Children First, a distinguished institute dedicated to providing clinical services, school mental health programs, and research. Her mission is centered on building emotionally safe spaces for children to grow, thrive, and flourish.
Dr. Sen’s work is deeply practical, encompassing family therapy, neurodevelopmental assessments, and extensive training in approaches like Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Narrative Therapy. She has translated this clinical rigor into actionable strategies for educational settings, working toward building richer narratives for children through teacher trainings and parenting workshops across India and the UK. Her expertise makes her a valuable resource as a Clinical Tutor at the University of Melbourne and international faculty at the Dulwich Centre Foundation.
She is the author of three critically acclaimed books. Her bestseller, All You Need is Love, The Art of Mindful Parenting, provides a clear guide for parents, while her second book, Imagine, No Child Left Invisible, focuses on building creative and inclusive learning environments in schools. Her most recent book, Reclaim Your Life, courageously tackles the shame and stigma attached to mental health, reinforcing her role as a public advocate.
As a highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Sen has delivered TED Talks on the necessity of emotionally safe spaces for children's growth. She is a regular columnist for the Indian Express and a curator of the unique skills and expertise of the children and youth she works with. Her presentations empower audiences—from parents to corporate leaders—with the psychological tools to drive positive transformation and create inclusive, supportive environments.
