Name: Khushboo Agarwal
Birthplace: Mumbai, India
Educational Qualification: BA Psychology, St. Mira's College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
MA Clinical Psychology, Vishwakarma University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
MSc Developmental Psychology Lancaster University, UK
EMDR Therapy Certificate - EMDR Association India
Languages you speak or write: English and Hindi
Where are you working currently? What do you do?
I’m a psychologist working with Symbiosis International University, Pune, Maharashtra.
How many years have you been practicing psychology?
3 years
Why did you choose this profession? What is the best part of your profession?
You might be surprised to learn that many psychologists are drawn to the field because of personal experiences with mental health—either their own or through close relationships. These challenges often cultivate deep empathy and a genuine desire to help others.
My own journey is rooted in similar experiences. What I find most fulfilling about this profession is witnessing people evolve, heal, and rediscover themselves. Being part of their transformative journey—through both the highs and lows—is incredibly meaningful. It’s especially rewarding when they express gratitude and joy for the growth they’ve achieved.
What is your primary area of focus in psychology?
Stress, Anxiety, Mood disorders, Autism, and Trauma.
What type of patients do you primarily work with? Children or adults?
Adolescents
What therapeutic methods or approaches do you commonly use?
I use CBT, EMDR, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
How has tele consultations impacted this field? Do you also consult patients online?
Teleconsultations have been a great advantage, breaking down barriers like distance and time. However, one downside is that when working with highly unstable clients, any technological issues can be potentially harmful and interrupt critical support during vulnerable moments.
I do online consultations for stable clients.
What is the most common mental health issue you see in your patients?
Stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, relationship issues, social comparisons, lack of healthy boundaries or coping skills, lack of emotional intelligence.
How do you maintain boundaries and care for your own mental well-being? How do you handle burnout or emotional fatigue in your profession?
I make it a point to regularly reflect on my thoughts, behaviors, and emotions both before and after sessions. I begin each day with gratitude and prayer, which helps ground me. Gardening, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family are also essential parts of my routine. I maintain clear boundaries between my personal and professional life, ensuring that one doesn’t interfere with the other.
What advice would you give someone hesitant to seek therapy for the first time?
No advices, I would just ask a reflective question. Because the answers that come from within are the ones that stick the most.
I would ask “Is there a fear or a belief that’s stopping you from reaching out?”
What is one challenge you frequently face as a mental health professional?
On a personal level, one of the biggest challenges is consistently reminding clients to trust the process. Many become impatient, hoping for quick fixes, and it takes time to help them understand that meaningful change is gradual.
On a broader level, the rapid growth of the mental health field has brought its own issues. A concerning trend is the increasing number of undertrained individuals presenting themselves as mental health professionals. The lack of proper regulation and standardized guidelines only adds to the problem, leading to potential harm and confusion for those seeking help.
What changes would you like to see in the mental health field in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I hope to see stricter regulations and standardized guidelines to ensure that only qualified professionals practice in the field. It’s crucial to safeguard the well-being of clients by holding practitioners accountable to ethical and professional standards. I’d also like to see more accessible and affordable mental health services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Do you believe mental health stigma has decreased in recent years?
Absolutely. Young people today are increasingly recognizing the concept of intergenerational trauma and the importance of addressing it to build healthier relationships and emotional well-being. There’s a noticeable shift, with schools, colleges, and hospitals actively appointing mental health professionals to support students and staff. Celebrities speaking openly about their mental health struggles and media houses dedicating space to these conversations have also played a significant role in reducing stigma and normalizing mental health care. This growing awareness is a positive and much-needed change.
Any message or words of encouragement you’d like to share with people struggling with mental health today?
Remember, you can divide the weight you’re carrying. When there’s someone alongside you—whether it’s a friend, family member, or mental health professional—the burden becomes lighter and the path more manageable. You deserve support, compassion, and the chance to feel better.
Your favorite subject in the domain of psychology?
Psychopathology
What advice would you give to young students who want to pursue a career in psychology?
Take it easy and be patient with yourself. It’s natural to start out with big dreams of fixing or solving people’s problems—I was there once too. But over time, you’ll realize that therapy isn’t about fixing; it’s about holding space, guiding, and walking alongside someone in their journey.
One of the most beautiful parts of this work is how much you grow and evolve through your interactions with clients. Every session teaches you something new—about others and about yourself.
Always remember: there is no hierarchy in therapy. You’re not above your clients, you’re beside them. Stay grounded, stay humble, and never stop learning.
What's one psychology myth you wish would disappear forever?
Psychologist don’t have problems, “negative” emotions, or are wise and saint like.
If your therapy room had a theme song, what would it be?
CLIMB by Miley Cyrus
If you weren't a psychologist, what would your alternate career be?
Chef - something in hospitality or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) manager.
If you could have coffee with any famous psychologist (living or dead), who would it be?
Gabor Mate
If your life was a movie, what would it be called?
Bloom
What do you love to do in your leisure time? What are your other hobbies?
Gardening, buying more plants and going out to eat pizzas. I love to dance too.
What is your favorite dish or comfort food?
I think I’ve mentioned already, but to add more Pav bhaji, Pani Puri, and Pizzas. While typing I realised that they all start with P.
How would your friends describe you?
Friendly, honest, and easy to follow and talk.
What is something you wish to change about the world?
Quite idealistic, but food in everyone’s plate. Because if basic needs aren’t fulfilled, we can’t look at intellectual or emotional growth.
Which is your dream travel destination?
Japan and Spain
Finally, a quote you can relate to?
“Anybody can become angry — that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” — Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics.