Our Story

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” - Aristotle

"The inception of Lighthouse took root when I chose to delve into and shape the therapeutic aspects of mental well-being. Initially envisioned as a parent guidance center, it has evolved over the years into a multidisciplinary hub for arts and holistic wellness. When asked about my life's purpose, I always emphasize that my work is my purpose—a manifestation of my creativity. Each day presents an opportunity for a fresh start, allowing us to transform life’s challenges into valuable gifts.

Over the past 23 years, Lighthouse has grown and evolved, dedicated to supporting mental well-being across all walks of life. Operating from centers in Mumbai and Pune, we offer a comprehensive range of assessments and therapeutic interventions for children, adults, families, and couples. We take pride in providing evidence-based therapies designed to build skills, reduce distress, and foster deeper understanding of mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges.

I firmly believe that individuals should have the freedom to explore themselves in a non-demanding, non-judgmental environment—one that allows them to understand their emotional needs, overcome barriers, and find meaningful solutions. Lighthouse was conceived as a sanctuary for transformation and growth. Our mission is to facilitate smooth transitions, help individuals envision their goals, and support both children and adults in achieving them. Our facilitators are compassionate enablers of this transformative process."

Zill Botadkar, Founder/Director of Lighthouse

The meaning of wellbeing is multidimensional. Mental Wellbeing matters, because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our Mental well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. It’s an ongoing circle. Moreover, our Mind and Body are deeply connected and react to each other. Therefore, to achieve optimal wellness, it is important to care for the Mind as much as we care for the Body.

Zill Botadkar is a counselor, arts-based therapist, and integrative holistic healer committed to supporting mental and emotional well-being. With a focus on empowering individuals to lead balanced, fulfilling lives, she works across age groups, addressing emotional challenges, stress, trauma, anxiety, and behavioral concerns.

She specializes in mental health and wellness through an integrative approach that blends traditional counseling with creative modalities like arts-based therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral strategies. Her work spans individual and group therapy, as well as corporate wellness programs, where she designs and facilitates workshops on self-care, stress management, emotional regulation, and cultivating mental resilience.

With over two decades of extensive experience, Zill holds a Post Graduation in Counselling Psychology and boasts a diverse array of qualifications, including being an Arts-Based Therapy Practitioner and Educator, Autism Movement Therapy Provider, EQ and Resource Educator, Play Therapy Practitioner, Applied Drama in Autism therapist, and many more courses to continually enhance her skills.

She has played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for numerous therapy centers in Mumbai. She has served as an appointed faculty member, contributing as an ABT Practitioner in institutions such as JBCN PAN Academy, Manu Prem, JBCN International School, Disha, and Akanksha. Currently, she serves as the Course Director and Core Facilitator for training students as ABT Practitioners.

Her commitment to spreading awareness about the therapeutic benefits of art forms has taken her around the world. Zill has traveled to various places, including Malaysia, the USA, and several states in India, reaching out to special educators, counselors, therapists, and the special needs population. Additionally, she conducts workshops and retreats tailored for individuals, colleges, groups, and corporate settings.

The inception of Lighthouse stems from her belief in an integrative approach that considers the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of clients. This approach aims to assist individuals of all ages in coping with challenges and fostering learning and growth in a warm, nurturing atmosphere that engages all the senses.

Incorporating a holistic perspective, she helps clients build tools for emotional regulation, improve relationships, and foster personal growth. Whether working with individuals, families, or organizations, her goal is to promote mental health awareness and create supportive environments that nurture emotional well-being.

Outside of her professional life, Zill enjoys traveling, connecting with nature, and exploring practices that inspire holistic wellness. She also cherishes spending quality moments with family and friends, indulging in her passion for cooking, savoring music, embarking on road trips, and engaging in heartfelt conversations with her son.

Our Roots

Our Approach

At our center, we emphasize addressing perspectives rather than merely focusing on problems. Recognizing that individuals come to us with diverse understandings of life and varying needs, we employ a versatile range of therapies. Our approach spans from solution-oriented to insight-oriented and includes holistic meditative approaches, tailored to the comfort and preferences of those seeking our services. In the course of therapy, we may seamlessly integrate multiple approaches or employ different methods at various stages, ensuring a cohesive and meaningful therapeutic experience.

Our perception centers on individuals in their entirety – acknowledging their struggles, deeply ingrained habits, behavior patterns, needs, and life perspectives. Consequently, what we provide goes beyond immediate solutions; it is designed to instigate a holistic change that individuals themselves initiate. This transformative process extends its positive impact to various stressful situations both in the present and the future.

Our logo

Our logo reflects our vision, portraying the lighthouse as a symbol of strength, safety, and individuality. The beaming light represents the source of goodness, ultimate reality, and wisdom. Hence, the Lighthouse symbol serves as a poignant reminder that, despite the turbulence in our emotional seas, our primary focus should be on the Guiding Light emanating from the Lighthouse within us. Our Inner Lighthouse embodies our inner strength.

Our Purpose

Is to provide quality, effective, empathetic interventions, so you feel equipped and empowered to lead a happier, healthier, and a more fulfilling life.

We are dedicated to working with you to find the best course of intervention to help you achieve your goals.

Our Inspiration

To be a way forward and a source of guidance providing strength and hope for a transformational journey towards healing and well being.

Our Values

We create a safe space where clients are seen and heard. We recognize the courage to engage in this connection.

We empower our clients to achieve holistic health; emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and relational

We strive to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where we listen to clients carefully and without preconceptions and where they will feel heard and validated.

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