Serene Hour Counselling & Career Advice Consultancy

25/07/2025

As a Psychologist and General Practitioner for RSE (Relationships & S*x Education) certified by the AIMS UK.

Anxiety around a partner’s past is really reflecrion of your internal fears and moral beliefs about s*x.

Let’s be clear the real red flag is not someone’s “body count”. It’s the refusal to have open, honest conversations about s*xual health and safety.

In my view as general practitioner for RSE. I believe what truly matters is whether your partner is informed, respectful, and tested.

Focusing on numbers distracts from what’s actually important in a healthy s*xual relationship and let’s talk about the elephant in the room; the cultural double standard regarding "body count".

Society often judges women far more harshly than men when it comes to s*xual history.

But here’s the truth:

If you’re not equal in your relationship, it’s not really a relationship.

No matter your gender, respect, safety, and mutual understanding are the foundation of intimacy.

It ultimately boils down to this: How do you view intimacy and connection in your relationship?

Quoted in the Cosmopolitan India Magazine Article: Is your partner’s body count a red flag or just...a number?

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*xEducation *xualWellbeing *x

In a relationship what matters more in partner?

25/07/2024

Parenting is the only job that does not come with a manual. As a Psychologist having worked closely with children both in educational institutions as well as in therapy. I am able to understand and empathize with children their struggles and their view point. Acting as a bridge between parents and children.

24/07/2024

“What you are doing speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying”.

The defining trait of any leader is that they inspire others to action by the virtue of their character. They practice what they preach.

As parents how often have you found yourself in situations where you tell your child one thing and do the complete opposite of that?

You want your child to develop a reading habit but you often spend your down time on your devices.

You want your child to become more athletic and play sports and yet you do not do any forms of physical activity in the day.

You want your children to eat healthy meals but have stocked the house with junk food for yourself.

Children are like sponges; they absorb everything around them including the actions of their parents.

To inspire respect and leadership in you from your children. You need to walk the talk with your children and lead by example.

Children learn by modeling. They imitate the behaviors of those around them. The way the parent works, communicates, and handles various situations directly influences the child's behavior and outlook on life.

19/07/2024

In the Sixth Episode of our podcast series - 'In a Nutshell with Sherene Aftab'. Our guest speaker, Nirupa Vora is an Educationist and an ex-Preschool Principal.

In this episode, we deep dive into how parents and the school system can work together as a team to create a warm and nurturing environment for preschoolers.

Giving us a glimpse into the day to day activities and responsibilities of a preschooler teacher. Nirupa busts the prevalent myth that - preschool teachers are in this profession for some ‘timepass’.

Addressing the widespread issue of separation anxiety in preschoolers. She advocates for a gentler home to school transition. Pointing out that the abrupt separation between toddlers and the mother can create an adverse impact on the mental health of the mother as well.

Reminiscing on her illustrious career, Nirupa shares how her profession has changed her as an individual.

Psychologist Sherene Aftab and Nirupa Vora answer questions that drive most parents insane with worry. Such as, "my child only eats chocolates. How do I get him to eat healthy meals" and many more.

An episode filled with empathy, insight and sensitivity. A must watch for parents and educators. To be aired on the Serene Hour Youtube Channel.

Follow for more
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14/05/2024

We are so happy to see so many new people join the Serene Hour community. Here is a brief introduction about us. Likewise, we would love to know you. In the comments tell us about something that makes you feel joy.

To all our new followers, welcome to Serene Hour & the Serene Hour for Women Instagram page.

Serene Hour is a counselling practice founded by Psychologist Sherene Aftab Chaz with the founding belief to make mental health and therapy accessible to children and adults within the Indian diaspora.

As a mental health practitioner, we realise that therapy in the Indian community is shrouded in misinformation and fear mongering.

Through this platform we want to address and create awareness on mental health issues.

Our approach towards therapy/ counselling is to encourage clients to identify, and change negative patterns, emotions, and behaviours and overcome trauma through therapy. We aim to make therapy a simple, hassle-free process that is accessible to people within India as well as abroad.

is a page dedicated to women and addressing their mental health issues which are often brushed over and unacknowledged culturally and socially – prenatal and postpartum depression, loss of identity, co-dependency, toxic relationships etc.

We at Serene Hour we are trauma informed, inclusive and a safe space for people to grow and heal in their personal and professional lives.

To avail an appointment, call / text us on the Serene Hour office number. Our Communication Manager, Arwa Abizer will solve your queries and help you book an appointment.
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07/03/2024

Lack of awareness and stigmas surrounding women’s mental health makes it difficult for women to reach out for help.

Women are known for putting others first. SereneHour has created a mental health page for women.

What is ?

• A safe, non judgemental space for women to connect with other women.

• A community where women can exchange ideas and life experiences and help other women going through similiar challenges.

• We talk about lesser spoken struggles of pregnancy, motherhood, menopause and other experiences unique to women.

• Awareness on mental issues that women face.
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If you like this post drop a ❤️ in the comments below!
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This Women's Day, give yourself or a loved one the gift of therapy.
📞 +91 773873043 to avail an appointment.
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10/01/2023

Sticking to your new years resolutions the right way - psychologist tell you how.

Read Counsellor Ms. Sherene Aftab's views on how can one keep their resolutions and why we sometimes fail at them.

Have you set new years resolutions? Share in the comments below!

Read the full article on: https://www.harpersbazaar.in/culture/story/sticking-to-your-new-year-resolution-the-right-waypsychologists-tell-you-how-2790

24/11/2022

09/03/2022

Motherhood and guilt are synonymous. The biggest worry of a working mother is the well being of her child.

Has my child eaten enough nutritious food? Have they napped well? Are they in safe hands?

Whether it is the guilt of spending too much time outside the house or the guilt of having not much 'productive work' done whilist taking care of your child. Trying to do justice to both work and home leaves mang women feeling depleted and running in different directions. Self is often neglected and women begin to feel a loss of identity.

05/03/2022

We are going live tomorrow at 2:30pm on Linkedin in collaboration with Internshala. Counselor MS. Sherene Aftab will be giving a talk on "How to find your ideal career path".

Stay tuned and we look forward to seeing you on our Linkedin Live!

05/12/2021

Question: Which age group needs a career counselor? Are they mostly students or adults.
People often wonder what is the right age and time to seek career counseling. Is it something only for high school students and college graduates entering the work force? Can adults also need career counseling?
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.