- Not every path to counselling begins with psychology. Sometimes, it begins with literature, journalism, corporate boardrooms, and a whole lot of introspection. That’s how Aparna Verma, the founder of Yellow and Blue, found her way to the field — not through a single defining moment, but through a collection of experiences that slowly aligned into something deeply meaningful.
A Winding Road to Clarity
Aparna’s professional journey began with a Master’s in Literature. At the time, her interests leaned towards storytelling and journalism careers that allowed her to explore people’s lives and ideas. But, as is often the case, external expectations and internal uncertainty led her to reconsider.
On the advice of a friend and in search of stability, she took a leap and pursued an MBA at XLRI, one of India’s top management schools. This led to a 15-year career in Human Resources, where she worked across sectors and roles, helping organisations grow by supporting the people within them.
While the work was meaningful, life had other plans. After relocating to Singapore with her family, Aparna encountered a professional standstill. Despite her experience and qualifications, she struggled to find a role that felt like the right fit. The disruption forced reflection — not just about her career, but about what she truly wanted to do.
That period of uncertainty opened a new door. As she reflected on her past roles and natural interests, one thing became clear: she had always been drawn to understanding people, their behaviours, motivations, and inner challenges. With renewed clarity, she decided to pursue a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Monash University, Australia.
Going back to academics after years in the workforce wasn’t easy. It involved re-learning, unlearning, and pushing through moments of doubt, all while raising two school-age children. But the return to study proved transformative, and this time, the career path felt aligned with her experience, interests, and values.
From Two Colours, A Whole Spectrum
Out of this journey came Yellow and Blue, not just a mental health practice, but a reflection of the emotional landscape we all navigate.
The name itself is symbolic. Yellow stands for brightness, energy, and clarity. Blue represents sadness, introspection, and emotional depth. Life is never just one or the other. At any given moment, we’re often holding both. That’s what Yellow and Blue seek to honour: the full range of human experience.
The tagline, “If you’re feeling it, it’s true,” speaks to the heart of Aparna’s counselling philosophy. Emotions are not to be judged, fixed, or dismissed. They are signals, stories, and truths waiting to be understood. Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, hopeful, or all of the above, their emotional reality deserves space and care.
A Practice Rooted in Empathy and Evidence
At Yellow and Blue, counselling is both empathetic and evidence-based. Sessions are grounded in scientific methods, critical thinking, and therapeutic frameworks, but are always held with compassion.
The practice supports individuals dealing with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, burnout, stress, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, and transitions. It’s a space where clients are not labelled or “fixed” but supported to understand themselves, develop tools, and move forward in their own way.
Aparna also brings her corporate background into the practice. Her experience in HR and organisational dynamics allows her to work effectively with institutions, workplaces, and educators, offering group workshops, parent sessions, and team trainings that address the growing need for mental health literacy in communities.
Lessons from the Journey
Aparna often shares the learnings that guided her career transition, insights that resonate especially with students and early professionals:
- Be curious. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Curiosity opens doors that certainty sometimes can’t.
- Keep an open mind. Careers can shift, countries can change, and you can evolve; growth is never linear.
- Focus on transferable skills. Communication, empathy, writing, and research. These matters across professions.
- Stay informed. Reading, observing, and making connections with the world keeps your thinking sharp.
- Enjoy the work. Fulfilment often comes from engaging fully with whatever you’re doing, even when it’s hard.
The Yellow and Blue way
More than anything, Yellow and Blue is built on the belief that mental health support should be proactive, not reactive. Counselling isn’t just for moments of crisis — it’s for growth, reflection, and everyday challenges. It’s for anyone navigating the highs and lows, the yellow and the blue.
Through her work, Aparna continues to build a space where emotions are honoured, tools are shared, and people are empowered to live more connected, intentional lives.
Want to know more about Yellow and Blue or explore counselling for yourself? You don’t need to wait for a crisis. If you’re feeling it, it’s true. Reach out to us anytime.
