FAQs

Overall 

How does SoulUp work?

SoulUp allows you to talk to others who have firsthand experience of the same issue as you and learn from their experience. These are called 'Peers'.

• On SoulUp, you can have a 1-on-1 conversation with a Peer. So you can go to the 1-on-1 conversation section of the website, find a relevant Peer and book a conversation with them via the website. All conversations are online on video primarily (but audio is also allowed if requested).
• You can also browse one of our many topic wise groups. All groups are led by an expert and last over 4 or 8 sessions. They are done in a small group of 4-6 people to allow for deeper and richer conversation.

 

Who are Peers?

Anyone who has firsthand experience of the same issue as you is your 'Peer' by definition. SoulUp curates a large community of people who have gone through different emotional challenges across relationships, career changes, difficult life decisions, health etc. 

Anyone from the community whose journey is similar to yours is your Peer.

 

Are SoulUp conversations paid?

Currently only a nominal booking fee is charged for 1-on-1 conversations. All 1-on-1 conversations on SoulUp are supported by a growing community of people who believe in the power of human-connect.

Group Conversations are priced based on the number of sessions. Majority of this fee goes to the expert therapist/counsellor who facilitates these sessions.

How long has SoulUp been around?

SoulUp was founded in Feb 2022 by Punita Mittal and Mahak Maheshwari - a team of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay with more than 20 years of healthcare experience combined. SoulUp is redefining mental health through groups that are effective, but also fun, social, and challenging.

1-on-1 Conversations

What can I talk about in a 1-on-1 Conversation?

You can discuss anything. It could be relationships, health issues, parenting, work, family issues etc. - whatever is bothering you. However, you need to stick to the topic of conversation mentioned in your Booking form.

How does a Peer conversation help?

Talking to a peer can be useful in multiple ways. Since Peers are people who have gone through the same challenge as you - they are able to understand where you are coming from. Hence conversations are not only non-judgemental but also very constructive because you get to express, share notes, hear different perspectives and effectively ‘brainstorm’ approaches with them.

What happens after I book a 1-on-1 Conversation?

Once you book a conversation, you receive a confirmation mail from us. We also send you an email invite with the link which you are supposed to join at the time of the conversation. 

Also no contact information ( email or phone number) of either party is shared before or post the conversation. 

What happens in a 1-on-1 Conversation?

1-on-1 Conversations are on video and typically 45 minutes long. There is no specific structure and we want you to speak about whatever is on your mind as long as you stick to the topic mentioned in your booking form.

We encourage that conversations remain organic and take their natural course. No prior preparation is needed!

Are Peers therapists or counsellors?

No. Peers are not counsellors or therapists. However, their expertise and understanding comes from the firsthand experience of a specific situation or challenge. Additionally all Peers on SoulUp are carefully curated by the team and also undergo periodic trainings to have Peer conversions more effectively. 

How do I select a Peer?

The best way is to select a Peer who you think has been in the same boat as you - and hence will have the greatest context about the topic you want to have a conversation on.

1. You can search for specific topics in the search bar of the website and select from the Peers in the search results. 
2. 2. Else you can also go to the 1-on-1 conversation section, select a category and see relevant Peers under each category. You can use filters to narrow down on the Peers that are most relevant to you. 

Make sure you take note of the Peer’s age and languages spoken before you book a slot with them

What happens if I am unable to make it for a Conversation? 

It is completely okay if you are unable to attend a conversation - however, to respect the Peer’s time, please do let us know in advance. Fee for cancellations or reschedules done 6 hours before the actual slot time is reimbursed or accommodated as applicable. 

Within 6 hours of the slot, it is treated as a last minute change and booking fee is not reimbursed. 

What happens after a 1-on-1 Conversation?

We would love to hear feedback on your SoulUp conversations and send you a feedback form via email. And of course, you can book another slot with the same Peer or another Peer for the same/unrelated topic.

Is what I discuss kept confidential?

All Peer conversations, observations and interactions are private and kept mutually-confidential. During most conversations, both you and the Peer discuss and share experiences that are personal to you. And this conversation needs to be kept limited to the 2 of you. 

Also no contact information ( email or phone number) of either party is shared before or post the conversation. 

Can I have an in-person conversation?

Currently all Peer conversations on SoulUp are done online. 

Can we chat 1-on-1 with a Peer?

SoulUp currently does not permit chat interaction with Peers. Currently we only do video conversations (audio only conversations are permitted on request). 

The motivation is to come as close to face-to-face conversations as possible since those kind of conversations are the most effective.

Why do you charge for something as simple as talking to someone who is not a professional?

Even though Peers are not professional therapists, talking to Peers is very helpful because: 

1. Peers are experts through experience! Since they have gone through a similar experience or situation as you, they understand the situation very well. 
2. You can learn coping strategies from them and exchange notes since both you and the Peer have been in the same boat

1. Peers provide a safe and completely non-judgmental space for you to freely express yourself. 

A nominal conversation fee is charged to honor the Peer’s time, invite only serious callers and also support the SoulUp platform and operations. 

How can I trust a stranger (SoulUp peer) online with my emotional issues?

SoulUp conversations ensure complete privacy. For anyone using SoulUp, 

• No contact, personal information of the caller or the Peer is shared with the other party
• Conversations are held on a third party safe link like Google Hangouts which does not allow any recording. 
• All conversations are mutually confidential. Since both the caller and the Peer share personal experiences on the call - both mutually hold the contents of the conversation private. 
• All Peers abide by SoulUp’s privacy protocol which they agree on during the verification process.

 

What if I don’t get a relevant person to talk to?

If you are unable to find a relevant Peer on the platform, please do send us a note via the form on Contact us or ping us on Whatsapp. We will try to find a relevant Peer for you from our extended network. 

Can you share my story?

SoulUp shares stories only on those who are Peers on our platform. If you would like to share your learnings and allow others to discuss their experiences with you, feel free to apply as a Peer on the SoulUp website using https://www.soulup.in/pages/peers-details-page

How can I know if the Peer experience is genuine?

All Peers fill a detailed form which describes their journey and also provides other details about them. We also have a verification call with them where we try and understand their motivation as a Peer and talk about their story.

All diagnosed health and mental health conditions are verified. However, it is hard to - beyond a point, verify deeply personal accounts.

What if I don’t get my required slots? 

If you are looking to have a conversation in a specific slot but unable to find a relevant Peer in that slot, you can send us a message through the Whatsapp widget on the website. We will contact relevant Peers to check if they are willing to have a conversation in the required time slots.

Is there any way to start a conversation right away with an available Peer?

SoulUp typically does not support immediate scheduling of conversations. If you are unable to find a relevant Peer in a specific slot, you can send us a message through the Whatsapp widget on the website. We will contact relevant Peers to check if they are willing to have a conversation in the required time slots.

SoulUp Groups

What are SoulUp Groups?

At SoulUp, you'll meet people who get what you're going through and might be living some of the same realities. People looking for extraordinary conversations, just like you.

✔️ Small group, 6-8 people

✔️ Every meeting led by a world-class facilitator

✔️ Weekly 75-minute online video sessions

How do I attend sessions?

All groups meet over online video, on Zoom or Google Meet. The session details will be shared on your registered email and phone number atleast a week in advance. You can join using your laptop or phone. 

What happens in a group session?

While the format can vary as per topic, here’s a flow that most sessions follow

• Check In. Participants check-in with each others' feelings and answer the prompt given by the facilitator if any.
• Conversation. Your facilitator will guide the group in a free-flowing conversation—with the goal of sharing openly, talking honestly, and deep emotional connection.
• Check Out. Participants share what they're taking away from the session.

What am I going to get out of this?

Participants say that they feel heard, understood, more in control, and a feeling that you’ve got people rooting for you. By talking about your emotions and what's going on in your life, you'll realise that you're not alone and get ideas for how to improve your situation.

Will group information be kept confidential?

Group participants and your facilitator will keep all conversations, observations and interactions private and confidential. If you want to talk about group experiences to others outside of the group, we ask that you focus just on your experiences. Don’t tell others’ stories, even in an anonymous way. 

What if I have to miss a session?

We strongly recommend that you don’t miss any session. Pls note that we will not be able to share any recordings or notes due to privacy concerns. If you can’t make a session, please notify the SoulUp coordinator so that others don’t wait for you to start.

Can I just listen and not talk?

It may be scary at first to share openly with other participants. That's okay. We suggest that you set your own pace. However, we ask that all participants attend the group on camera and participate in exercises/activities.

How do I become a group facilitator?

Check out our page for facilitators and apply. We’re looking for mental health professionals who are warm, grounded, creative, and adventurous.

How are SoulUp groups different from support groups?

Our approach is different. You may have heard of traditional peer support groups which offer a space for people to give and receive support from others going through the same thing. SoulUp combines - the power of peer support with expert facilitation to create an experience that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. 

 

SoulUp StirUps

What is Soul StirUps?

StirUps is a unique approach to groups. At StirUps, you'll meet people who get what you're going through and might be living some of the same realities. People looking for extraordinary conversations, just like you.

✔️ Small groups of people, hand-picked for you

✔️ Every meeting led by a kickass therapist

✔️ Weekly 75-minute online video sessions

✔️ Membership as low as INR 1000/month

 

Who will be in my group?

To get to know you better and choose other people for your group, we need you to complete an application. There is a common thread that binds you to others, but there is also diversity that opens up new viewpoints.

How much does this cost?

Membership costs INR 12000/year or INR 8000 for 6 months or INR 2000/month. Please note that if you’re unhappy after attending 4 weeks, we’ll refund the membership fee. 

How do I attend sessions?

All groups meet over Zoom. You’ll receive an email and calendar invite once you are placed in a group.

 

What happens in a group?

Sessions are fun, social, and help you feel better. The 75-minute StirUp session consists of:

• Check In. Members check-in with each others' feelings and enter the session.
• Conversation. Your facilitator will guide the group in a free-flowing conversation—with the goal of authentic sharing, deep emotional connection, and personal insights for each member.
• Check Out. Members share what they're taking away from the session.

What am I going to get out of this?

Members say that they feel understood, more in control, and that you’ve got people rooting for you. By talking about your emotions and what's going on in your life, you'll realise that you're not alone and get ideas for how to improve your situation.

Is StirUps therapy?

Nope. StirUps isn’t therapy and isn’t treatment for clinical mental health challenges.

StirUps is for people who are thriving in many aspects of their lives, but who feel stuck in one or more areas—for example, career, relationships, or family.

However, for people currently engaged in individual therapy, StirUps can be complementary, a place to practise new skills and learnings.

How do I join a group?

1. Sign up. Join by providing your contact information and filling out a short questionnaire about yourself.
2. Fill out an application. As part of the application, you'll tell us all about yourself - life situations and stressors.
3. Notification. We’ll let you know via email if the group is a good fit for you. Groups are starting every week! Once you get the email, you'll officially be in the group.
4. Get ready for your group! Before your first session, we'll email information about your group and facilitator.

How does the money-back guarantee work?

By participating in each of the first four (4) weekly conversations in your group, we urge you to give StirUps a month's worth of testing. If StirUps isn't the right fit for you, we'll be pleased to refund your membership fee.

Will group information be kept confidential?

All discussions, observations, and interactions inside the group will remain private and discreet, as will your facilitator. We urge that you limit your discussion to your own experiences if you want to discuss group experiences with those outside the group. Never share someone else's story, not even in an anonymous fashion. Please feel free to ask us any further questions you may have about confidentiality during your placement interview.

 

Can I just listen and not talk?

At first, sharing honestly with your group members could be unsettling. That's alright. We advise you to go at your own pace. Listen in and start sharing if and when you start feeling comfortable.