We noticed a gap in the representation of psychology students, therapists, and mental health advocates in the Indian context. There weren't many organizations or platforms addressing the same, so we decided to be one and put "Desi" in That Desi Psychologist.
1. How did you get interested in psychology? What has your journey been like?
I have always been fascinated by psychology as a subject. Exploring how people think, behave, and interact has been consistently intriguing to me. In my 11th grade, I had PCM, and I felt a lack of connection with those subjects. Within two months, I made a bold decision to switch from Science to Humanities with the sole purpose of delving into psychology. Little did I know, nor did I anticipate, that I would be so moved by this subject. It became clear to me as time went on; I scored 100/100 in boards, solidifying that psychology was not just a subject but a path I wanted to pursue.
During my bachelor's, I delved even deeper into the subject. I gained insights into my own personal life, behavior patterns, and the intricate ways in which we, as humans, coexist, find meaning, and build connections. Over time, my passion for psychology evolved into something deeply personal. My own encounters with mental health challenges motivated me to contribute to the field, not just academically but in a way that positively influences the lives of others. I believe that psychology is not just a subject of study; it's a powerful tool for personal growth and making a difference in individuals' lives.
2. How did That Desi Psychologist come into form? What was the motivation behind creating this platform?
The story of how That Desi Psychologist came into existence is quite amusing. When my best friend and co-founder and I embarked on this journey, we honestly didn't have grand expectations. Our initial goal was simple: start an Instagram page to spread mental health awareness. We wanted to share our experiences, talk about the challenges we faced, and advocate for mental health.
Part of the motivation behind creating the platform was pragmatic concern. We were a bit apprehensive about the future. What if we completed our master's degrees and struggled to find clients? We were aware of stereotypes about psychologists not being well-paid, and, let’s just say, we didn't want others to dictate the limits of our potential. So, That Desi Psychologist became not just a source of motivation but also a way for us to explore possibilities beyond traditional expectations.
Moreover, we noticed a gap in representation for psychology students, therapists, and mental health advocates in the Indian context. There weren't many organizations or platforms addressing the same, so we decided to be one and put "Desi" in That Desi Psychologist.
3. What, according to you, are the qualities a person wanting to go into the field of psychology must possess? What guidance would you like to give to people who want to pursue psychology (clinical) as a career?
The first quality I would say is patience. Psychology, as intriguing as it sounds, comes with challenges. The long hours, training, courses, constant thoughts of feeling like an imposter, and, most importantly, the overall time it takes to become a Clinical Psychologist in India.
Secondly, I would say the zeal and enthusiasm to be curious about things, concepts, human behavior, and the ability to question things around. This quality not only helps in gaining a deeper perspective but also encourages critical thinking and research skills.
Third would be to develop effective skills. We are not born perfect, and no one is asking to be. We all are humans who grew up in a certain environment, and while growing up, our relationships, interactions with people, and our experiences shaped us in a way that we may or may not have biases towards certain aspects of our life. But when it comes to therapy, we have to keep all our biases and judgments outside the therapy room.
4. Apart from being a clinical psychologist and an entrepreneur, who is Chetna as a person?
As an aspiring Clinical Psychologist, I would say I am someone who is inherently fun-loving, always on the lookout for new experiences, meeting people, networking, and building meaningful connections. I am a big-time Taylor Swift fan (Swiftie, yes), and I love quirky stationery. Asian Cuisine has a special place in my heart because of the culinary traditions and its rich flavors.
5. What are the strategies you use to manage your stress and prevent burnout in this profession?
Having social support, talking to friends and family, checking up on them, sharing, venting, and ranting about my day are the cornerstones of my stress management. Apart from this, solo long walks while listening to music are my personal favorite. It serves as a therapeutic escape, helping me unwind and shift my focus.
Professionally, I rely on to-do lists to organize and prioritize tasks. This helps me stay focused, ensuring that I address important responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. I make sure that when I face a heavy workload, I don't hesitate to delegate responsibilities and prioritize work according to an urgent-important matrix.
BIO:
Interviewed By - Shreya
Edited By- Pragya Lamba
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