My Journey As a Therapist
Practice what you preach
Having completed my post-graduation in Clinical Psychology, I worked as the head residential therapist for a rehabilitation facility for mental illnesses, namely depression, anxiety and psychoses.
One morning, while facilitating a group therapy session, on facing your fears, I noticed my own irrational fear of sitting by myself in the dark. The very same evening, I chose to face my irrational fear, like I had invited my clients to do. I sat by myself with my headphones on. Music was my trusted friend through this little adventure. I focused on my breathing. The music soothed my nerves. I allowed the calm to take over whilst slowly letting go of my fear. I learnt a valuable lesson of authenticity from this experience. I needed to ‘Practice What I Preached.’
This began my own journey of further self-exploration. As a result, I received training in various therapeutic techniques and modalities and learnt about empathy and what it means to be in my client’s chair.
We are all human
In 2010, I was one of the 15 selected from 700 applicants across the globe to be awarded the Dekeyser & Friends Fellowship at Green Chimneys, New York. I worked and connected with people from diverse cultures and nationalities. This experience taught me that underneath all the layers of cultural conditioning and stereotypical frills, we were all the same; we are all human.
The ones that ‘goat’ away
An important lesson came in an unexpected way, the Goats. During my stint, at Green Chimneys, New York, a renowned Animal Assisted Therapy Center. I was asked to build a relationship with an animal of my choice. I chose the two cute brown and white mountain goats. But the closer I got to them, the farther they ‘goat’ away (distanced themselves) from me. While processing this with my supervisor, I started to uncover my own narrative of rejection. In that moment, I realized the impact that therapy animals could bring to therapy. I started to pursue my dream of establishing Animal Assisted Therapy in India and Dubai.
In the last five years, I have worked with several children and families of children with Autism or emotional/behavioral issues, with my trusted co-therapist, Chubby, the cocker spaniel. We have witnessed some amazing therapeutic moments and growth in areas of social skills, self-confidence and emotional/behavioral health. Want to know more about Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy? Check out my Tedx Talk.
Presence and mindfulness
I have spent considerable time manning a suicide prevention helpline. This highlighted the importance of holding a non-judgmental safe space. I also noticed that when individuals were less clouded by emotions, they were better able to cope. I incorporate similar principles of client centered therapy and mindfulness with my adult clientele.
The helpline taught me the importance of self-care practices, this inspired me to start Dubai’s first Equine Assisted Support for parents of children with special needs. The group focusses on exploring ways to combat emotional fatigue for caretakers/parents to build effective self-care practices. Click here to know more about the EAT support group.