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Why did you choose to become a counsellor?
Having understood the importance of mental health from a young age, I was drawn to becoming a therapist. With my empathetic nature, I felt a strong desire to support individuals who were struggling with mental health issues. I didn’t want anyone to feel alone during their difficult times, and I aimed to help them gain a better understanding of themselves and their struggles. Pursuing this career required a great deal of education, training, and dedication, but I found it to be a rewarding and fulfilling path.
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What excites you about your work as a counsellor?
As a therapist, I find it exciting to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I help clients work through their mental health challenges and see them achieve their goals, which is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy the opportunity for continuous learning and growth, staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field. The flexibility and autonomy that comes with being a therapist, including the ability to set my own schedule, are a great fit for my lifestyle. I also find the variety in the work appealing, as no two therapy sessions are the same. I also look forward to collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to learn from their experiences and knowledge.
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What do you hope for your clients to experience after their first session with you?
As a therapist, it is important to me that my clients understand that therapy is a collaborative effort. I do not believe in pushing clients to work on goals that I make for them. Instead, we will work together as a team to set achievable goals in a schedule that fits the client’s needs. Additionally, I believe that therapy sessions should not be a one-sided conversation where clients simply listen to my advice. Rather, my approach involves helping clients enhance their decision-making skills, empowering them to make informed choices and become less reliant on me. This helps clients take ownership of their progress, leading to greater self-awareness and long-term success in achieving their goals. The first session is focused on active listening and understanding the client’s concerns and what they want to achieve through therapy. This initial assessment helps to establish a strong therapeutic alliance and ensures that the goals for future sessions are aligned with the client’s specific needs.
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What would you wish to tell a client who is thinking about seeking counselling?
- If the client doesn’t wish to share any information in the first few sessions, they are free to do so. It is a trust building process and I will not be forcing the client to talk about something that isn’t an issue, or something that they don’t wish to talk about at that moment.
- The client can leave therapy if they feel that it’s not resonating with them- as a therapist I will try to find another therapist for the client or provide the client with a list of trustworthy therapists that they can approach.
- A misconception that I have heard a lot is that the therapist gives advice on what to do. Therapy and goal setting is a collaborative effort and as a person who is not living my client’s life, I can not advice my client to do things that might not work for them. The best thing is to set up goals together with therapist.
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Describe the relationship that you would wish to build with your client in counselling.
As a therapist, my goal is to establish a healthy and healing therapeutic relationship with my clients. I believe that creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential for clients to feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and feelings openly. This involves active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach that fosters trust and respect. By building a strong therapeutic alliance, clients can feel heard, validated, and empowered to work towards their goals in a collaborative and supportive manner.
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In your counselling work so far, what has been your greatest learning from your clients?
The power of vulnerability: Clients who are willing to be vulnerable and share their innermost thoughts and feelings teach us about the power of vulnerability and how it can lead to greater connection and healing. It also builds character and resilience towards the hardships of life. They’ve taught me no matter how harsh life gets- they’re not afraid to ask for help or lend a helping hand whenever needed.
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What are some of your strengths as a counsellor that you value and appreciate?
As a therapist, I bring a range of valuable strengths to the table. I am known for my empathetic approach, which allows me to truly understand and connect with my clients on a deep level. In addition, I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where all clients feel safe and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances. I pride myself on being relatable and approachable, which helps to foster trust and openness between myself and my clients. By leveraging these strengths, I am able to provide a supportive and effective therapeutic experience that helps clients achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.
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What are some of the things you like to do in your free time?
I love to draw, discover underground music from around the world, watch anime, learn about local medicinal plants and trees, and cook up new recipes in my free time!
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What are the areas of concern you address in counselling? Do you work with specific populations?
I work with all the populations. Majority of the concerns that I’ve addressed in my counseling settings are: depression, anxiety, disabilities, chronic illnesses, discrimination (gender, caste, sexuality etc.)
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What is the therapeutic approach you use? How would you describe it to someone who wants to consult you for therapy?
As a therapist, I believe that every client is unique and requires an individualized approach to therapy. That’s why I don’t rely on a single therapeutic approach or take a mechanical approach to sessions. Instead, I draw from a range of evidence-based techniques and interventions, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Positive Psychology, among others. By combining various approaches, I can tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client and help them achieve their goals. Ultimately, my goal is to provide a supportive and effective therapeutic experience that promotes positive change and lasting growth for my clients.
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How do you make your therapeutic practice a safe and affirmative space for queer and trans* folx?
I believe that creating a safe and affirmative space for queer and trans folx requires intentional effort and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and experiences faced by these individuals. I use inclusive language that affirms a range of gender identities and expressions, and avoids assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. : I approach each client with a stance of cultural humility, recognizing that queer and trans folx face unique challenges and that my own understanding of these experiences may be limited. I strive to listen to my clients, learn from them, and honor their experiences. continue to educate myself on issues related to the LGBTQ+ community and stay up-to-date on the latest research, language, and best practices. work to build trust with my clients by creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they can share their experiences, feelings, and concerns. I aim to be an ally and advocate for my clients. I support clients in exploring and affirming their gender identity and expression, and help them navigate the challenges that may arise from discrimination and prejudice. I provide information and referrals to community resources and support services that can help clients access additional support and care.
The Quote Suveksha Resonates With
The difference between the novice and the master is that the master has failed more times than the novice has tried.