Name: Jophy Joseph
Birthplace: Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala
Educational Qualification: MPhil Psycho Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
MSc Clinical Psychology, Prajyoti Niketan College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Languages you speak or write: Malayalam, Tamil, English, Hindi
Where are you working currently? What do you do?
I’m working at Caritas Hospital in Kottayam as a Consultant Psycho‑Oncologist and psychologist.
How many years have you been practicing psychology?
I have around 4 to 5 years of experience as a psychologist and 4 years of experience in teaching psychology.
Why did you choose this profession? What is the best part of your profession?
It’s my passion. I find deep satisfaction in helping oncology patients and their families navigate emotional challenges, and I still thoroughly enjoy my work as both psychologist and psycho‑oncologist.
What is your primary area of focus in psychology?
My focus lies in understanding and nurturing the complexities of the human mind, particularly within the context of serious illness.
What type of patients do you primarily work with? Children or adults?
I primarily work with adult oncology patients and their families during treatment and recovery.
What therapeutic methods or approaches do you commonly use?
I utilize structured therapy and personalized counselling sessions, adapting my approach to each individual’s needs.
How has tele consultations impacted this field? Do you also consult patients online?
Yes, I regularly conduct online consultations. Telehealth has significantly improved access to therapy for patients who cannot travel or are immunocompromised.
What is the most common mental health issue you see in your patients?
Many of my patients struggle with emotional strength and stability, particularly after a cancer diagnosis.
How do you maintain boundaries and care for your own mental well-being? How do you handle burnout or emotional fatigue in your profession?
Setting boundaries & borders, keeping my own stand in every situations, fighting own battles with inner strength & by god's grace.
What advice would you give someone hesitant to seek therapy for the first time?
Give freedom to choose , show patience.
What is one challenge you frequently face as a mental health professional?
Stress & strain if work is too heavy.
What changes would you like to see in the mental health field in the next 5 years?
Mental health issues among adults & children is increasing rapidly, so the need for professionals will increase.
Do you believe mental health stigma has decreased in recent years?
yes
Any message or words of encouragement you’d like to share with people struggling with mental health today?
Find our own strength, the life is within to flourish. Others are temporary.
Your favorite subject in the domain of psychology?
Holistic Psychology.
What advice would you give to young students who want to pursue a career in psychology?
Be dedicated & sincere , passionate about what you are doing.
What's one psychology myth you wish would disappear forever?
Not every clients are psychiatric patients, not every mental health issues needs medicine, to know the difference of Psychology & Psychiatry.
If your therapy room had a theme song, what would it be?
It would be a melting slow beat song.
If you weren't a psychologist, what would your alternate career be?
Doctor.
If you could have coffee with any famous psychologist (living or dead), who would it be?
My own professor.
If your life was a movie, what would it be called?
Life is not a movie , it always meets the reality.
What do you love to do in your leisure time? What are your other hobbies?
Singing, reading , watching movies, outing
What is your favorite dish or comfort food?
South Indian food
How would your friends describe you?
Calm & friendly, strong , talented
What is something you wish to change about the world?
Change ourselves first
Which is your dream travel destination?
Travel different countries
Finally, a quote you can relate to?
The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.