Incorporate self-care into your routine, whether it's through exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques, to maintain a healthy balance and cope with stress more effectively.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
My background and journey are a bit unconventional. After graduating from college, my initial plan was to study economics, but my interest shifted to psychology, particularly organizational and cultural psychology. Due to my own mental health journey, I transferred colleges during my undergrad and began to see psychology as a way to understand and improve my well-being.
I eventually earned my bachelor's degree from Jindal Global University and my master's from Amity. Post-graduation, I joined a well-being organization in Delhi and spent two years there. For the past year, I've been practicing independently in Delhi and Noida. It's been an interesting and constantly evolving journey.
2. What led you to take up this career path?
My journey into this career was influenced by my personal experiences and the realization that there was a lack of conversation around mental health. During my own therapy, I discovered that mental well-being is a valid career path. Helping others and making an impact, even on a small scale, has always been important to me. This realization solidified my decision to pursue psychology as a profession.
3. What are some common myths in society about psychology?
There are quite a few myths about psychology. One is that psychologists are always analyzing people, which isn't true. We do notice things, but we're not constantly evaluating everyone around us. Another myth is that psychological diagnoses are set in stone and that people with disorders are more volatile or unpredictable, which is also false.
People work hard to manage their conditions and are much more than their diagnoses. Also, there's the idea that psychologists can read minds, which is simply not possible.
4. How can people practice mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment. With our busy lives, it's crucial to set aside time each day to concentrate on the now. This could be through exercise, meditation, or just taking a few minutes to focus on your breathing and physical sensations. It's about finding what works for you, starting with small steps like five to ten minutes a day, and gradually making it a part of your routine.
5. What are your tips for people who want to practice this profession?
Firstly, take your education seriously, but don't rely solely on it. Much of what you learn as a therapist happens outside the classroom through real client interactions. Be open to learning and be prepared to have your beliefs challenged.
Empathy is key—acknowledging and respecting what others are going through, even if you can't fully relate. Practice as much as possible, engage in role-plays, and seek feedback to hone your skills.
6. Is work-life balance a myth or reality according to you?
Work-life balance is a reality, but achieving it is challenging, especially in a productivity-driven culture. It requires actively setting and maintaining boundaries, like not checking work emails after a certain time. It's about carving out time for yourself and starting with small steps to ensure your life isn't consumed by work. It's possible but takes effort and commitment.
7. How, according to you, can one manage stress?
The first step is acknowledging that stress is normal. Identify your stressors and how you experience stress, whether it's through physical symptoms or emotional responses. Practice mindfulness or grounding activities to help manage stress in the moment.
Long-term, work on understanding and addressing the root causes of your stress. Incorporate self-care into your routine, whether it's through exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques, to maintain a healthy balance and cope with stress more effectively.
Bio:
My name is Shreya Kaul (she/her). I've been practicing for over 3.5 years out of Delhi and Noida.
I apply a Narrative Therapy approach and it is influenced by trauma-informed therapy, intersectionality, and humanistic therapy.
My areas of focus range from anxiety, depression, body image, sexuality, and gender concerns to trauma work, grief, and bereavement. I am a queer affirmative and kink-positive practitioner.
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