Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Dr. Ritu Sharma, Founder of Rhythm and Recovery, the first Movement Therapy Centre in Jaipur
At a time when conversations around mental health are gradually gaining momentum, Dr. Ritu Sharma is introducing a unique and holistic approach to emotional healing in Jaipur. With a background that blends psychology, dance, therapy and homeopathy, she has established the city’s first Movement Therapy centre. Drawing from both professional training and personal experience, Dr. Sharma believes that the body and mind are deeply interconnected, and that healing can begin with something as natural as movement. In this conversation, she shares her journey, her therapeutic approach and why mental well-being needs urgent attention in today’s fast-paced world.
Q: You recently launched a Movement Therapy centre in Jaipur. Tell us about your journey and what inspired you to begin.
A: My journey has been both academic and deeply personal. I began with a short-term online course in Psychology from Boston, which sparked my interest in understanding the human mind. I later pursued a therapy course in Kolkata and completed my formal degree in the field from Pune. Alongside this, I trained in Kathak for six years through Allahabad University and also studied Homeopathy.
However, the real turning point came in 2023 after the birth of my child, when I experienced postpartum depression. That phase made me truly realise how critical mental health is to overall well-being. Despite having knowledge in the field, living through that emotional struggle changed my perspective completely. It made me understand that mental health cannot be secondary to physical health.
With my academic training and personal experience, I decided to establish a Movement Therapy centre in Jaipur. While metro cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru are more open to therapy culture, Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur are still evolving in terms of awareness. This centre is among the first of its kind here, and my aim is to create a space where movement, expression and healing come together.
Q: You mentioned that your personal experience shaped your understanding of mental health. How do you see the issue today?
A: Mental health is one of the most significant concerns of our time. We live in an era where everyone is constantly rushing, caught in routines, professional pressures and social expectations. Although the stigma around mental health is gradually reducing, many people still hesitate to speak openly about their struggles.
Young people today particularly face challenges in managing relationships, expectations and social comparisons. Post-Covid isolation has worsened this. Technology has created a hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected generation. Meditation and traditional mindfulness practices are beneficial, but not everyone finds it easy to sit still and focus.
Movement and dance offer a natural alternative. They allow individuals to release stress physically and emotionally without the pressure of “performing” mindfulness. The body often holds suppressed emotions, and through guided movement, people can gradually release that tension.
Q: Could you explain the core components of Movement Therapy and how you integrate it with Homeopathy?
A: Movement Therapy consists of several structured techniques such as Mirror Therapy, Ribbon Therapy, Ball Therapy and Ring Therapy. Each of these is designed to enhance concentration, body awareness and emotional release. When individuals move intentionally, their bodies release endorphins, often referred to as happy hormones, which help reduce stress and anxiety.
Mirror Therapy, for instance, can help rebuild self-confidence and self-awareness. Ribbon and ball exercises improve coordination and focus. For individuals who struggle to verbalise emotions, movement becomes a powerful language.
Alongside this, I integrate Homeopathy, which focuses on addressing the root cause of emotional distress. In many mental health cases, conventional medicines may manage symptoms but can sometimes lead to dependency or dullness. Homeopathy, including flower remedies, works gently to restore emotional balance. Combined with counselling sessions, this holistic approach allows individuals to explore both conscious and subconscious patterns.
Historically, movement-based therapies were used in the 1940s abroad to help soldiers returning from World War II cope with trauma. Today, it continues to show benefits for conditions like autism, anxiety, trauma, depression, Parkinson’s disease and anger-related issues.
In my practice, I have worked with individuals facing autism spectrum challenges, trauma recovery, anxiety disorders, depression and stress. Many people with anger issues find it easier to express through physical movement than through words. For introverted or emotionally reserved individuals, this becomes a safe outlet.
Q: Why do you think mental health concerns are rising today?
Lifestyle changes are a major factor. People are working longer hours, constantly striving for financial growth and professional success. In the process, they lose touch with themselves. There is a strong focus on physical fitness, gym memberships, diet plans, but mental fitness is often overlooked.
Poor dietary habits, increased smoking and alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation and digital overexposure all affect the mind. When emotional distress goes unaddressed, it gradually manifests as anxiety, burnout or depression.
Awareness remains limited, especially in smaller cities. Many people still do not recognise early warning signs or seek help only when the situation becomes severe.
Q: How does a healthy mind influence overall well-being?
A: When an individual connects with their inner self, it creates a sense of balance. Emotional clarity releases positive neurochemicals that reduce stress and improve overall functioning. A calm mind enhances decision-making, relationships and productivity. Peace within reflects in every area of life.
Q: What approach or protocol do you follow while working with patients?
A: The first step is creating a non-judgmental space. Healing begins when a person feels safe enough to express without fear. I adopt a solution-oriented and personalised approach because every individual has a unique personality and emotional landscape.
Sessions may include counselling, guided movement exercises and, where appropriate, homeopathic support. The therapy is tailored according to the individual’s needs, there is no one-size-fits-all model. The aim is to help them understand their emotional triggers, process past experiences and build healthier coping mechanisms.
Q: What is your vision for the future?
A: My immediate goal is to increase awareness about Movement Therapy in Jaipur. As the city grows with expanding corporate culture and digital influence, the need for emotional balance becomes even more critical. People must understand the difference between everyday stress, anxiety disorders, depression and overthinking.
I hope to create a community where seeking mental health support is normalised rather than stigmatised.
Q: What message would you like to share with young readers?
A: Stress has become common, but it should not become normal. Prioritise yourself. Spend time in nature, disconnect from screens and avoid constant comparisons driven by social media. What you see online is often curated and not a complete reality.
Self-doubt grows when we measure our lives against others’ highlights. Instead, focus on inner growth and emotional well-being. Finding your own rhythm, both physically and mentally, is the key to lasting peace.
