Mansi Patel - Stress Is Often a Result of Seeing Problems Too Closely (Counselling Psychologist/ Founder of Happy Soul)

When I shared this with my father he introduced me to Osho and Buddha and how our culture uses psychology in different forms

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

As a child I enjoyed reading and learning about psychology - it gave me an understanding of why people do what they do?

Learning about personalities and how we all come under those types. When I shared this with my father he introduced me to Osho and Buddha and how our culture is using psychology in different forms. Seeing psychology involved everywhere and how important it is in our day-to-day life - I decided to take up this as my career and be a medium to people to facilitate better living. 

As a Counseling Psychologist, my main focus area is working with children and parents. During my master's I was involved in active activities and completed a few internships - working with children came naturally to me.

As I dived deeper through my experience working with schools - I have developed an SEL (Social Emotional Learning) plan focusing on children from EY(Early years) to 12th grade.

The effect of these on children is tremendous - it helps children regulate their emotions better become more self-aware and build a healthy self-image.

Currently, I am working with an international school, and also provide my services to NGOs that cater to all age groups. Alongside I have also catered to Mumbai police for stress management and expressing healthy emotions at home.

I am soon launching my SEL batch for children with fun activities in Mumbai.

2. How can one manage stress?

Managing stress can be achieved through various strategies. It's important to start by identifying the sources of stress in your life. Once you've pinpointed the stressors, consider the following techniques

Self-awareness: Recognise your stress triggers and emotional responses. This awareness allows you to better control your reactions.

Time Management: Organise your daily activities and set realistic goals. Prioritise tasks to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate stress.

Time for Yourself: Set aside time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation. It's important to take breaks and unwind.

Positive Thinking: Reframe negative thoughts with a positive perspective. Focus on what you can control and change.

The biggest mistake which we make is we don't give our problem aerial view instead we see the problem too closely

3. What are your future plans? 

I have a future plan to launch my Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) project for both children and adults. I am also eager to promote awareness through various channels, including social media and one-on-one conversations.

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

Work-life balance is a complex concept that can vary from person to person. In my view, it's neither an absolute myth nor a complete reality. Achieving a satisfactory work-life balance depends on individual circumstances, priorities, and how one manages their time and responsibilities.

For some, it may seem like a myth, especially in professions with demanding schedules or during particularly busy periods. On the other hand, others successfully navigate their work and personal lives, finding a reasonable balance.

As a counsellor, I emphasize the importance of setting personal boundaries, effective time management, and open communication with employers and loved ones. By assessing your own needs and priorities, you can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life that suits your unique situation.

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

I personally believe this thing and I even did it is

Self-Reflection: Before embarking on a counseling career, engage in self-reflection to understand your own values, beliefs, and biases. This self-awareness is crucial for effective counseling.

Specialization: Explore various counseling specialties (e.g., marriage and family therapy, school counseling, substance abuse counseling) to determine your area of interest and expertise.

Supervision: Seek opportunities for supervision and mentorship. Working under the guidance of experienced counselors is valuable for skill development.

Empathy and Active Listening: Develop strong empathy and active listening skills. These are core attributes for building rapport with clients.

Practice Self-Care: Counselling can be emotionally draining. Prioritize self-care to maintain your own mental and emotional well-being.

Build a Network: Connect with other professionals in the field, join counseling associations, and attend conferences to network and learn from others.

The last tip but the most important is Continual Learning: Stay updated with the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Attend workshops and training to enhance your counseling skills.

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

The most common that I came across is

Only "Crazy" People See Psychologists: One prevalent myth is that only individuals with severe mental illnesses or serious problems seek help from psychologists. Counseling and therapy are beneficial for a wide range of issues, from everyday stress to personal growth and relationship challenges.

Therapy Takes a Lifetime: Some believe that once you start therapy, you'll be in it for life. In truth, the duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Short-term therapy can be effective for specific issues

Medication Is the Only Solution: There's a misconception that psychology only involves medication. While medication can be part of treatment, therapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions are often equally important.

Therapists Have All the Answers: Therapists and counselors do not have all the answers; instead, they help clients explore their thoughts and feelings and work collaboratively to find solutions. They provide guidance and support, but the client plays an active role in their own healing.

Addressing these myths can help individuals have a more accurate understanding of psychology and encourage them to seek help when needed without stigmatization or misconceptions.

7. How can people practice mindfulness?

The word being mindful means being in the present we as humans mostly have a tendency to live in the past or future.

We can Start Small  Begin with short sessions of mindfulness, like a few minutes each day. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually extend the duration

Mindful Eating: Pay close attention to what you eat. Savor each bite, chew slowly, and fully engage your senses. This can enhance your relationship with food and your body.

Grounding Techniques: Use grounding exercises to stay present in the moment. Focus on the sensations of your surroundings, such as the feeling of the ground beneath your feet or the sounds in your environment.

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that requires practice. It's normal for your mind to wander; the key is to gently bring your focus back to the present without self-criticism. Consistent practice can lead to greater self-awareness, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional well-being. If you find it challenging, seeking guidance from a mindfulness practitioner or therapist can be beneficial. 

Bio-

With 2+ years of experience - I have worked with Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and NGO's. I have developed expertise in various areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. I am skilled in providing individual, couples, and group therapy, and I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as well. I have successfully counseled 150+ counselees and honed my skills in providing evidence-based interventions and creating a safe and supportive environment for my counselees.

In addition to my counseling expertise, I am also skilled in conducting psychological assessments, providing workshops, and conducting research to inform my practice. I strive to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field, ensuring that my clients receive the highest quality of care possible.

I'm not your typical stuffy therapist - I'm a real person with a sense of humor and a passion for helping others. So if you're ready to take the next step towards a happier, healthier you

Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee