- How important do you think it is to commemorate a day as World Mental Health Day?
Answer: More important than ever. It's an opportunity to draw attention to one of the most important yet neglected aspects of well-being. Awareness about mental health is key to helping people understand it's true meaning - wellness in our self belief and self-worth, our relationships, our work and leisure. - Is there anything special you would do on this day as a mental health professional?
Answer: Perhaps I'll focus on my own mental health, evaluate the areas that need attention and resolution. Only when I am well I can be useful to others. - What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a counselor to have?
Answer: There's too many to list but my top 6 are:- Have a genuine interest in the counseling profession
- Communicate with respect and kindness
- Build relationships based on trust
- Practice the same values in personal and professional life
- Be self-aware and mindful at all times
- Abide by the ethics of the profession
- What has been your greatest achievement in counseling a client so far?
Answer: For me it's more a sense of fulfillment - to know that I have been able to help people heal from their emotional pain, to help them believe in themselves and start life afresh. There's deep satisfaction in knowing that I have been making a difference in people's lives. I am in awe of the trust my clients have reposed in me, ever grateful for the opportunity to grow in the company of school children and for all that I have learnt from just being in their presence. These are sacred experiences. - How do you approach the counseling process and how do you customize the process for a client?
Answer: I would ask the client to choose from the approaches I thought would work for them. The customization would depend on the needs of the client, their purpose for seeking help, and what outcomes they had in mind. - What message would you like to share with upcoming mental health professionals?
Answer:- Be a learner for life
- Be aware of your competencies and limitations
- Begin your private practice after working along with professionals for at least 3 years in a center or with a senior practitioner
- Conduct your practice under the the guidance of a competent supervisor
- Work towards personal and professional growth
- Network with fellow professionals
- Explore areas of counseling to find which one is a good fit for you.
- Build your skills and competencies
- Find enjoyment in your work
- Be responsible, committed and professional in your work.
