Beyond People-Pleasing
A 4-week reflective group to understand the pattern, and start to make room for what matters to me.
For adults who are tired of saying yes too quickly, carrying everyone’s comfort, over-explaining their needs, and feeling guilty for wanting something different.
A feeling you may know
You may be the person people describe as thoughtful, dependable, easy to talk to, or “very adjusting.”
And sometimes, you may also be:
- saying yes before you have checked in with yourself
- feeling responsible for other people’s moods
- rehearsing messages, apologies, and explanations in your head
- finding it difficult to identify what you want
- feeling guilty after making a request, or a boundary
- tired of being the person who keeps everything smooth
This group is a space to look at that pattern with curiosity, without shaming yourself for any of it.
What this group offers
Beyond People-Pleasing is a four-session art-based reflective group facilitated by Divya Batra Masiwal, an Art Therapist.
Through gentle art-based activities, writing, guided reflection, brief psychoeducation, and practical experiments, participants will explore:
- How people-pleasing shows up in everyday life
- What the pattern may be trying to protect
- The emotional and relational costs of always adjusting
- Personal preferences, values, and needs
- Ways to pause, communicate, and stay connected to yourself when guilt shows up
You do not need to be artistic. You may draw, write, use symbols, make a list, or simply reflect. Sharing is always optional.
The four sessions
Meeting the pattern
Recognising people-pleasing and understanding what it tries to protect.
What it costs
Noticing energy, space, and emotional needs that get overlooked.
What matters to me
Reconnecting with preferences, values, and a more personal compass.
Staying with myself
Creating a practical self-support toolkit and rehearsing real-life situations.
Who it may suit
This group may be a good fit if you:
- are about 28–45 years old
- recognise long-standing patterns of over-accommodation or guilt around needs
- are looking for a structured space for reflection and learning about people-pleasing
- are able to participate from a private space
- are open to activities and exercises, whether or not you consider yourself “creative”
- are currently stable enough to participate in a small online group
What it is not
This group is not:
- individual therapy
- crisis support
- intensive trauma processing
- an art class
- a space where you need to disclose everything to benefit
If you are currently in acute distress or need more personalised therapeutic support, individual therapy or another specialised service may be a better first step. Book an individual session.
Facilitator
Divya Batra Masiwal is a certified Art Therapy Practitioner and Psychologist, who facilitates reflective and psychoeducative spaces around anxiety, self-worth, emotional wellbeing, and relationships.
“I have an MA in Clinical Psychology and over 11 years of experience across education, mentoring and mental health. Through Artfelt Therapy, I use conversations and creative activities to help people make sense of what they’re going through. My approach is gentle and curious, creating space to explore our patterns without judging ourselves for them. I believe that sometimes, change begins with simply noticing things a little differently.”
Practical details
- Dates
- Saturdays — 24th & 31st October; 14th & 21st November
- Time
- 12pm to 1:30pm IST
- Format
- Online via Zoom
- Group size
- 5–10 participants
- Fee
- ₹2,499 for all four sessions
- Registration
- A brief interest form and a fit conversation are required before enrolment
- Recordings
- Sessions will not be recorded, to protect privacy
Prefer to ask something first? Message Divya on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be good at art?
No. The creative exercises are ways of noticing and reflecting, not tests of artistic skill. Writing, lists, symbols, collage, and verbal reflection are equally welcome.
Do I have to share personal things?
You can, but you don’t have to. You are always welcome to pass. The group is designed so that listening and private reflection can also be meaningful forms of participation.
Is this therapy?
It is a psychoeducative reflective group with therapeutic elements. It is not a replacement for individual therapy, psychiatric care, or crisis support.
What if I am already in therapy?
You may still be a good fit. The group can complement ongoing therapy; participants are encouraged to let their individual therapist know if they choose to join.
Can I join if I miss one session?
Please aim to attend all four sessions, as the group is designed as a sequence. Missing one session may be manageable; recordings will not be available because confidentiality matters.