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| As a therapist, it can be emotionally taxing to be continually exposed to others' pain and suffering. To overcome this, I've prioritized self-care and professional supervision. |
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I'm Ananya Roy, a trauma-informed psychologist, I began my journey in psychology driven by a deep desire to understand and help others. From a young age, I created a space around me that made people comfortable opening up. I pursued a formal education in psychology, earning my Bachelors in psychology from Adamas University, Kolkata from and a Master in Clinical Psychology from Amity University, Noida.
I follow an eclectic approach in my therapy, integrating various methods to tailor my interventions to each client's unique needs, for this I have received training and certifications in various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy and Positive Psychotherapy.
I started Comfort Couch a year ago, to make therapy more affordable and accessible, having delivered over 500 sessions, I wanted to give individuals a space where they are truly seen and understood. At my practice at Comfort Couch, I create a safe and welcoming space where individuals can be their authentic selves. Being alone with your thoughts can sometimes be the hardest thing to do, thus my goal is to make that journey a little easier.
I also hold training workshops at Psychopedia to help students with foundational counselling skills. I also have an active presence on Instagram (@comfortcouch.therapy) where i share information and resources related to mental health and wellbeing.
2. What strategies do you find most effective in driving access, acceptance, and collaboration in workplace mental healthcare?
Creating a welcoming and stigma-free environment is essential. I ensure that my practice is a safe space where clients feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgement. Accessibility is another critical factor. offer flexible scheduling, including late evening and weekend sessions, to accommodate clients' varied needs.
Additionally, conducting sessions online makes therapy accessible for those with busy schedules, ensuring they can receive support at a time and place that works best for them. Providing affordable therapy or sliding scale options is also vital, as it makes mental health services available to a broader audience.
Collaboration with other professionals is a cornerstone of my approach. We can build a network of trusted professionals, including Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Lawyers, Social workers, physiotherapists and other allied healthcare workers to provide comprehensive and holistic care. Regular communication with these professionals facilitates seamless coordination of care. For instance, if a client requires medication, we can collaborate closely with their psychiatrist to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
This teamwork enhances the effectiveness of the therapeutic process and ensures that clients receive the best possible care. Furthermore, I engage in continuous professional development and networking within the mental health community. Attending workshops, conferences, and peer supervision sessions helps me stay updated on the latest practices and fosters a collaborative spirit.
3. Can you share some key experiences from your early career that shaped your approach to mental health care?
One significant experience was providing free counselling to students. This opportunity highlighted the crucial importance of accessibility in mental health care and the profound impact even a single session can have on someone's well-being. It became evident to me that many individuals who need mental health support often face financial barriers that prevent them from seeking help.
I realized that therapy must be more accessible to reach those who might otherwise go without necessary care. In response, I implemented a sliding scale fee structure in my practice, allowing clients to pay according to their financial capacity. This ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of receiving quality mental health care.
4. In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues in mental health today, and how can society address them?
One of the most pressing issues in mental health today is the stigma surrounding mental health, which prevents many individuals from seeking the help they need. Additionally, the psychological and emotional needs of students in schools and colleges are often overlooked, leading to long-term consequences on their mental well-being. To address these issues, society needs to promote mental health education and reduce stigma through open dialogue.
This can be achieved by integrating mental health discussions into everyday conversations and creating awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of mental health. Investing in mental health infrastructure is also crucial. This includes providing more funding for mental health services, ensuring there are enough trained professionals, and integrating mental health care into primary health services to make it more accessible.
Schools and colleges have a vital role to play in addressing the mental health needs of students. Educational institutions should implement comprehensive mental health programs that include regular counseling services, mental health education, and emotional support systems. Training teachers and staff to recognize and respond to mental health issues is also essential, as they are often the first point of contact for students in distress.
By prioritizing the psychological and emotional needs of students, schools and colleges can create supportive environments that foster resilience and well-being. This proactive approach can help prevent the development of more severe mental health issues and ensure that students have the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
5. Can you share a success story from your counseling work that stands out to you?
One memorable success story involves a remarkable student client who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication by saving from their pocket money to afford therapy. Over the past year, this client has confronted and overcome numerous adversities from a challenging childhood. Their resilience and strength in the face of these difficulties have been truly inspiring.
Throughout our sessions, they have developed the ability to emotionally regulate themselves, set and maintain healthy boundaries, and identify patterns in their life that were previously hidden. The insights they have gained into their own experiences and behaviors have been profound.
Witnessing their journey and transformation has been deeply moving and empowering. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible mental health care and my commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate their mental health challenges.
6. What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges I've faced in my career is managing the emotional toll that comes with hearing and processing clients' traumas and difficulties. As a therapist, it can be emotionally taxing to be continually exposed to others' pain and suffering. To overcome this, I've prioritized self-care and professional supervision.
Engaging in regular self-care activities such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, and creative hobbies like making art helps me maintain my own mental well-being. Additionally, seeking supervision and peer support allows me to discuss challenging cases and receive guidance and emotional support from colleagues. Balancing the demands of running a private practice with my own personal life has also been challenging.
It can be difficult to manage the constant interactions and administrative tasks required in my practice. To address this, I've learned to set clear boundaries and manage my time effectively.
I schedule regular breaks and allocate specific times for administrative work, ensuring that I have enough time for self-care and personal activities. Overcoming them has made me a more resilient and effective therapist, dedicated to supporting my clients through their mental health journeys.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in psychology?
If you are considering a career in psychology, it's essential to understand your motivation for choosing this path. Reflect on whether you are passionate about helping others or have a keen interest in understanding human behavior, as this self-awareness will guide you through the challenges ahead. A solid educational foundation is crucial, starting with a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's or doctoral degree, depending on your career goals.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships, trainings, volunteering, or related work is invaluable, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Effective communication is key in psychology, so practice active listening, empathy, and clear articulation to better connect with and support your clients. Stay committed to continuous learning by keeping up with the latest research, techniques, and theories through workshops, seminars, and conferences. Building a support network of peers, mentors, and professional organizations can offer guidance and opportunities for professional growth.
It's also essential to seek supervision and peer support. Working as a psychologist can be emotionally demanding, and having a strong support network is vital. Regular supervision allows you to discuss challenging cases and receive feedback and guidance from more experienced colleagues.
Peer support groups provide a valuable space to share experiences and gain insights from others in the field. Taking care of your own mental and emotional well-being is another key aspect because the nature of this work can be draining.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Mindfulness and other self-care practices can help maintain your resilience and prevent burnout.
Bio:
Hey there, I am Ananya Roy, a counselling psychologist and I use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Mindfulness to create personalized plans to help people in their unique journey.
I have extensive experience working with individuals facing challenges such as Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, Panic Attack, Low Self Esteem, Trouble Making Decisions, Lack of motivation, Procrastination, Interpersonal Issues and overall wellbeing and A key strength of mine is creating a safe, non-judgmental space where one feel truly heard.
When not taking therapy, I am found cuddling my cat, cooking stuff in my airfryer or designing something on Canva.
I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with and support you on your path to mental health. Feel free to reach out, and let's begin this journey together.
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