Binita Mehta - One of the First to Conduct More Than 300 Group Webinars on 30+ Different Issues (Organisational Psychologist)

We tend to have a pattern in general conversations, even when we don’t know something, we still speak as if we are the experts, and this is the case seen most with topics related to psychology.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am a commerce graduate. I decided to switch fields from Commerce to Psychology, which led me to take a leap of faith and pursue an MA in Psychology. In my first year, I met a co-founder who shared my vision of breaking down these taboos and providing accessible counseling services. In November 2019, we launched our startup, focusing on couch counseling services and corporate wellness. 

We catered to large corporates through our services and became one of the first to conduct more than 300 group webinars on 30+ different issues during COVID-19, concluding the LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference to create a space for all. While I've moved on from the startup, I carry the invaluable lessons with me. Today, I'm working at one of India's largest Pharma Companies, where I use my skills in Learning and Development to further my passion for workplace psychology.

2. What led you to take up this career path?

My journey has been a whirlwind of discovery and transformation. I started with dreams of a typical corporate career, pursuing a commerce degree and a CS program. However, monotony and frustration pushed me to explore new horizons. In college, I became involved in various activities such as Women's Health Awareness, Blood Donation drives, LGBTQ+ sensitization, and workshops. It was during these experiences that I stumbled upon psychology, realizing its profound impact on people's lives. But I also saw how society stigmatized it with taboos, myths, and shame. The restrictions and the myths around psychology are what inspired me to start something of my own and create a space where people can be themselves and seek the psychological support they need without feeling guilty or shameful.

3. What are some common myths in society about psychology?

The list is endless. People have formed their perceptions based on movies, random gossip, and assumptions, even around the work of psychologists and therapists. The biggest and most common myth in society, I personally feel, is that "There is something wrong with that person." We tend to have a pattern in general conversations, even when we don’t know something, we still speak as if we are the experts, and this is the case seen most with topics related to psychology - “Main hi hoon saab - mujhse baat karlo - unko paise kyu dene?” 

People have formed such horrifying beliefs around counseling by watching movies, gossiping, and believing counseling is also shock therapy, and only mentally ill people need that, which has not only created fear but resistance in one’s mind to even understand that mental health is in you just as much as physical health. Society fears being the topic of discussion for others under the label - "There is something wrong in him," which has led to hiding and not discussing even with loved ones. Many lives could have been saved if society was accepting and one didn’t have to fear being labeled as “Pagal.”

4. How can people practice mindfulness?

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is around you and happening within you. While we mostly ignore the chaos within and practice to engage ourselves in a quiet space! For your mindfulness activity to be successful and become an everyday habit, we need to start by addressing the chaos within. Simply start by observing the thoughts that are running constantly; that thought is of most importance to you. Without it being done, you will spiral back to it. If it has time - then simply journal it or let it go until the time has come (remind yourself this). Take deep breaths until you feel you have slowed down and can hear the lowest sound; that's when you have reached a space to be aware of within and around. Sit for some time and just observe (do this until you have reached a time where this comes quickly to you). 

Other methods are body scanning, guided meditations, sitting alone with no device, etc. Choose what works for you to reach that stage. Once you have got a hang of it, you can consciously practice mindfulness while performing all activities - be it a morning walk, office work, time spent with family, doing your chores, etc. You will find yourself less physically exhausted at the end of the day and filled with energy and constant good health.

5. What are your tips for people who want to practice this profession?

The most useful thing I found for myself is to stay updated with the changes in the workplace across the country one is in and be updated with the latest Tech used by other companies and what is new in the market in general. These two things keep you ahead and help make conversations that lead to a bigger network and an upper hand in work opportunities. Also, connecting the psychology principles in day-to-day practice at work and using it for better productivity and achievement of goals.

6. Is work-life balance a myth or reality according to you?

I believe work-life balance is real, but we have created a myth of an ideal work-life balance. We have a fixed set of lists - if these are ticked, then I have a work-life balance; otherwise, not! Work-life balance is simple - we are in our best capacity mentally and physically to meet our needs at work and personal lives. 

While we are humans and have life events happening, sometimes one place can need our more attention for a time being, and that is okay! We need to understand that temporary over-engagement is not a loss of balance. The simple way is to understand the need and plan accordingly to get your responsibilities taken care of responsibly.

7. How can one manage stress?

One must understand the intensity of the stress. If it is affecting your physical health constantly, then that is a big problem - please seek help. If it is not affecting your health, then it's good - shows what's important to you. Here are quick breathers - I use them to break my stress. List down all my thoughts - I see that I am all over the place. Here my awareness helps me remove what is not urgent. Time management - I allot time to all activities that need to be done, this helps me realize how much time I'll need and helps me communicate ahead effectively. Good diet - Eat light food to help your body adjust to the stress and maintain stable gut health. That's it! Start getting the work done :)

8. How can one manage loneliness?

The first and most important step would be to acknowledge loneliness and stop feeling the emotion of “LACK”. I understand the importance of companionship and its effect on mental and emotional health. When one stops feeling and taking action out of LACK, one can truly engage socially and romantically by being an authentic self. For example - If one tries to go to a social gathering out of lack, the person will be in a constant state of need to have a companion or get their goal met, without realizing that the other might not be suitable for them. 

If they have accepted and have self-fulfillment within, the same gathering will take a different turn, the person will be mentally open to engaging with a large number of people, communicate their goals better, have better opportunities, and at the end won’t be feeling drained and unfulfilled. Best practices include self-love, acknowledging your emotions, engaging with new social groups through gatherings, parties, and volunteering for a cause that can help connect with

Bio-

I am an Organisational Psychologist, who worked in the Healthcare and Pharma
domain, during my career I founded a mental health and wellness
company to provide psychology services to individuals and corporations.

Also developed and delivered training on topics such as Employee Mental well-being, Understanding upcoming HR trends and laws, Stress and burnout, Psychological Safety, etc. Collaborated and made an impact in organizations such as:
The Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), K J Somaiyaa College, SIES College, IGNOU and more. Also worked as TA - specialised in hiring Senior to CXOLevel. I also actively volunteer for stray animals through rescue operations, fostering, medical treatment, and adoption.

I have also been featured in various newspapers to name a few - Business
Standard, ANI, Metro News, You Inspire Us - Magazine, etc.

Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee