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| Mental health issues don't define who we are. Our ability to cope with them, our resilience and endurance to face life, that is what makes us who we are. |
DhairyaDa was founded in
2020, amidst a world grappling not just with a physical pandemic, but a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions. The core mission of DhairyaDa has always been to provide a comprehensive mental
health platform, an umbrella under which individuals can find a multitude of resources for their mental well-being. We offer a spectrum of services, including counseling and therapy, skill development, supervision, and training for mental health professionals, employee assistance programs, corporate training workshops, a mental health shop, worksheets, journals,
research, magazines, and more – all within our comprehensive ecosystem.
Our vision goes beyond awareness; it extends to creating serving the community and employment opportunities and fostering human development. Over the past two years, we have generated employment directly for more than 30 psychologists and provided opportunities through networking for more than 100 professionals in the field, a testament to our commitment to not just serving the community but also empowering professionals in the mental health field.
In just three short years since our inception, DhairyaDa has experienced exponential growth, consistently maintaining a remarkable growth
rate of 100% annually. We take pride in our ability to leave a lasting impact, whether it's through our dedicated employees, the students we support, grassroots initiatives, or our corporate training programs. At DhairyaDa, we're not just in the business of providing services; we're in the business of transforming lives, instilling courage, and making a positive difference at every step we take.
This commitment to our initial motto is a promise I've kept as the founder and CEO of DhairyaDa. Our journey is one of continuous growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication to mental health and human development.
2. What inspired you to start your own psychological well-being center?
When I ventured into the field, I quickly discovered a rather ironic aspect of the work culture within the mental health profession. While we, as mental health professionals, were dedicated to supporting others' well-being, there was a notable dearth of support for the well-being of employees in the field. This realization spurred a vision within me to establish an organization that not only provided mental health services but also exemplified the very principles of psychology in its own structure.
This commitment to a holistic approach remains at the core of our organization. To this day, our entire team enjoys the flexibility to set their own schedules and take holidays without facing repercussions. We've fostered a supportive environment where our team can prioritize their well-being, knowing that it ultimately leads to them giving their best and delivering the highest quality of work. It's a philosophy that has consistently proven that when our teammates are feeling their best, the work naturally excels.
My life's purpose has always been rooted in effecting positive change in people's lives, both at a macro and micro level. DhairyaDa is the tangible manifestation of this vision, a platform through which we can create a meaningful impact on individuals' well-being and society as a whole
3. What values and principles drive your approach to therapy and counseling?
As a therapist, I am who my clients need me to be. Sometimes their biggest cheerleader, sometimes a neutral soundboard, sometimes a therapist who carves out internal surgeries to the soul and mind of the client so they can heal broken parts. I specialize in using relatable, quirky examples to help clients grow & adapt to their journeys. Assimilating different therapy models into one treatment model, curated to fit my client’s needs is my forte. As a supervisor and mentor, I am that one person who has your back.
Our struggles don't define who we are. Our ability to cope with them, our resilience and endurance to face life, that is what makes us who we are. I help clients find all parts of who they want to be and help them look at life with a newer perspective. My focus is always on healing clients in a way that makes them MORE of who they are, rather than fit them in any box or label of symptoms or of treatment. It's about you. I am just the lighthouse that will help you reach where you want to in life.
As a supervisor and mentor, I am that one person who has your back. I will guide you where required, help you learn the skill set of combining different therapy models to get that one unique recipe for your clients, be your sound board and critique when required. I will not just help you in giving your best to your clients but also use my experience as a CEO of an organization with consistent 100% growth rate, to help you build your career and practice. My experience and your ambitions, mixed with our love for the field, can take mental health to the next level in this country
4. What has been the biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?
As an entrepreneur, I face new challenges every day. The biggest challenge is not letting these problems get me down. It's about learning to stay persistent and not taking these issues personally. The key is to keep going, no matter how tough things get.
5. What are some common myths in society about psychology?
1. Myth: Mental health is a rich people problem.
Fact: Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It's not exclusive to the wealthy. Mental health problems are widespread and can affect people from all walks of life.
2. Myth: Therapy is only talking.
Fact: Therapists use various evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, insight therapy, exposure therapy, and more, to help individuals manage their mental health effectively. Talking is a tool to make this happen. A surgeon uses a needle for surgery and we use talking for the healing of the inner mind. Do we say, surgery is needlework? No, right? Therapy is also using talking to actually undertake an invisible surgery of the mind and soul.
3. Myth: Therapeutic activities can replace therapy.
Fact: While activities like yoga, spending time with loved ones, exercise, and hobbies can contribute to better mental health, they typically complement rather than replace therapy. Therapy involves structured interventions and professional guidance tailored to an individual's specific needs.
4. Myth: It's all in the head.
Fact: Mental health issues are not just imaginary. They have physiological, genetic, and environmental components. They are real health conditions that require appropriate treatment and support.
5. Myth: Psychology has nothing to do with science.
Fact: Psychology is a scientific field that uses empirical research and evidence-based methods to understand human behavior, cognition, and emotions. It's a legitimate science that contributes to our understanding of human nature.
6. Myth: Psychology is for crazy people.
Fact: Psychology is for anyone who wants to improve their mental health and well-being. Seeking help doesn't imply that someone is "crazy." It's a proactive step toward personal growth and improved mental health.
7. Myth: Psychologists can read minds.
Fact: Psychologists are trained to understand and interpret human behavior and thoughts but can't read minds. They use their expertise to help individuals better understand their own thoughts and emotions.
8. Myth: Taking help is a sign of weakness.
Fact: Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness. It shows the willingness to address and overcome challenges, and it's a positive step toward personal growth.
9. Myth: Friends/partners can be therapists.
Fact: While friends and loved ones can provide emotional support, they are not a substitute for professional therapy. Trained therapists have the skills and knowledge to provide specialized treatment and guidance to address mental health issues effectively.
6. As a successful woman in the field of psychology and business, what advice do you have for aspiring therapists and entrepreneurs, especially women, who aim to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
Building a successful career extends beyond one's niche skillset. It entails a diverse set of competencies, including networking, effective communication, marketing prowess, and, of course, the ability to deliver results.
I firmly believe that women should not feel the need to earn the right to be self-independent – it's an inherent birthright. Instead of waiting for external validation or permission, it's crucial for women to realize that they possess the inherent power to take charge of their lives and shape their destinies. The onus is on us to be the architects of our own life journeys, carving our paths to success."
7. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal interests like binge-watching, traveling, and spending time in nature? What role does self-care play in your life?
I remember that I can perform well only if I am doing well.Self care time is not an optional thing.Its an everyday major component,as important as my working hours.
8. You express a strong interest in bringing about change at the grassroots level. Could you share some of the initiatives or projects you're involved in that aim to make a difference in society?
My love for grassroots work ignited during my university days. I embarked on my journey as a psychology intern in the Naxal-affected regions of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Here, my role encompassed delving into the mental health aspects affecting education, crafting interventions, and offering career guidance to the young learners in the area.
I furthered my commitment to inclusive education by serving as an assistant therapist for differently-abled children hailing from economically disadvantaged families in an inclusive school setting. These experiences laid the foundation for my passion for mental health support in underprivileged communities.
Over the past three years, DhairyaDa has collaborated with Corbett schools in the Konkan villages, where our focus has been on nurturing emotional and social intelligence among students. In addition to this, we've pioneered mental health awareness programs tailored for teachers and parents within this region. More recently, we extended our initiatives by conducting similar awareness programs for the Urja school group in Ahmednagar.
Our dedication to raising mental health awareness has extended to conducting a series of micro-level workshops, providing free counseling services directly in the field, and actively participating in community awareness campaigns. Even today, DhairyaDa proudly maintains a dedicated pro bono psychologist position to ensure that anyone seeking our support can access the healing journey they deserve, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
Bio-
Our offerings encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from counseling & therapy to supervision, skill development for MHPs, corporate workshops, employee assistance programs, assessments, and mental health shops. In just three years since its inception, DhairyaDa has witnessed remarkable growth, consistently surging by an astounding 100% annually.
Our journey is about much more than numbers; it's about shaping lives, instilling courage, and making an enduring impact at every turn. This was our founding motto, and as the proud founder and CEO of DhairyaDa, I'm unwavering in my commitment to uphold it."
Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee
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