Psych POV - Dr. Radhika Goyal

I am the founder and lead psychologist at Healthy Nudge, a mental health care organization dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based psychological services. At Healthy Nudge, we support individuals across all age groups—children, preteens, teens, young adults, adults, and the elderly—through both online and in-person therapy sessions. Based in Delhi, our practice embraces a diverse range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet each client's unique needs.

6 years

I chose this profession because I’ve always been deeply curious about the human mind and what helps people heal, grow, and find meaning in their experiences. I wanted to be part of a space where people felt seen, heard, and supported—especially during times when they feel most vulnerable.

Becoming a psychologist felt like a natural path that aligned with my values of empathy, connection, and social impact.

The best part of my profession is witnessing change—often in small, quiet, but powerful ways. It's a privilege to hold space for someone as they process their struggles, rediscover their strengths, and slowly begin to reclaim parts of themselves. Every story is unique, and being trusted with it is both humbling and inspiring. I also find great joy in building Healthy Nudge as a space that makes mental health care more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to people's diverse needs.

My primary area of focus is integrative, trauma-informed therapy that supports individuals across the lifespan in navigating emotional challenges, identity development, and meaningful life transitions. I specialize in helping individuals work through trauma, anxiety, grief, self-worth issues, and relational difficulties. I also have a deep interest in supporting parenting journeys, LGBTQ+ mental health, and people going through periods of intense change or uncertainty. My goal is to provide a warm, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore, process, and heal at their own pace.

Adults, children, older people.

I use an integrative and client-centered approach, drawing from a range of methods based on each person’s unique needs.

Some of the main approaches I work with include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Expressive Arts Therapy Play Therapy (for children)

• Family & Systems Therapy

Tele-consultations have significantly expanded access to mental health care, making it easier for people to seek support regardless of their location, mobility, or schedule. It has reduced barriers to therapy—especially for those in remote areas, individuals with social anxiety, or clients who prefer the comfort of their own space.

It also promotes consistency in therapy by making sessions more accessible during travel, illness, or other disruptions.

Yes, I do consult patients online. At Healthy Nudge, we offer both online and in-person sessions to make therapy flexible and inclusive. Whether clients are based in Delhi or connecting from elsewhere, we ensure that the quality of care remains consistent and personalized.

One of the most common mental health concerns I see in my clients is anxiety—often tied to overwhelming life transitions, chronic stress, or unresolved trauma. It shows up in many forms: social anxiety, generalized worry, performance pressure, or even physical symptoms like restlessness and fatigue.

Alongside anxiety, I frequently work with clients navigating low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship challenges, and grief. Many people also come in feeling emotionally disconnected or stuck—unsure of how to move forward, even if nothing seems “wrong” on the surface. At Healthy Nudge, we approach these concerns with compassion and a deep understanding that emotional struggles are valid, no matter how visible or invisible they may be.

As a mental health professional, I’ve learned that caring for others begins with caring for myself. I maintain clear boundaries by structuring my schedule with adequate breaks, limiting the number of clients I see in a day, and making space for personal time—without guilt.

I also engage in regular self-reflection and supervision, which helps me process my emotional responses and stay grounded.

Practices like mindfulness, journaling, movement, and spending time with loved ones are essential parts of how I recharge. I’ve also learned to say “no” when needed and recognize early signs of burnout before they escalate. Burnout and emotional fatigue are real in this profession. When I feel them creeping in, I slow down, reassess, and sometimes take a brief pause to reset—because showing up fully for my clients requires that I show up for myself first.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure or nervous about starting therapy—taking that first step can feel vulnerable and intimidating. My advice is to remind yourself that seeking therapy is an act of courage and self-care, not a sign of weakness. Therapy is a safe, confidential space where you don’t have to have all the answers or be “perfect.” It’s about being heard, understood, and supported as you navigate your feelings and challenges. You get to move at your own pace, and it’s okay to ask questions or try a few therapists before finding the right fit.

Remember, investing in your mental health is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. You deserve support—and reaching out is the beginning of a positive journey.

One challenge I often face is balancing empathy with professional boundaries. It’s essential to deeply connect with clients and validate their experiences, but at the same time, I must maintain a healthy distance to protect my own emotional well-being and provide effective care.

Another challenge is addressing the stigma and misconceptions around mental health that can sometimes make it difficult for clients to seek help or fully engage in therapy. Part of my role is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment that encourages openness and trust. Despite these challenges, the opportunity to support people on their healing journeys makes the work incredibly meaningful and rewarding.

In the next five years, I’d love to see mental health care become more accessible, affordable, and widely accepted—especially in communities where stigma still prevents people from seeking support. Expanding tele-mental health services and integrating mental health education into schools and workplaces could help normalize conversations around emotional well-being.

I also hope for greater diversity and cultural competence within the profession, so therapy feels truly inclusive and relevant to people from all backgrounds and identities. Lastly, increased funding for research and community-based programs would help develop innovative, holistic approaches that address the whole person, not just symptoms. Ultimately, I envision a future where mental health care is seen as an essential part of overall health—valued, prioritized, and accessible to everyone.

Yes, mental health stigma has decreased in recent years, especially around common conditions like depression. More people, especially younger generations, are openly discussing mental health, and workplaces are becoming more supportive.

However, stigma still persists around severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, and many individuals experience self-stigma that can prevent them from seeking help. Stigma can also sometimes come from healthcare settings. Overall, progress has been made, but there’s still work to do to make mental health care fully accessible and stigma-free.

If you’re struggling with your mental health today, please know you are not alone—and your feelings are valid. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Healing is a journey, often with ups and downs, but every step forward matters. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that it’s okay to ask for support. There is hope, and things can get better. You deserve kindness, care, and understanding—starting with from yourself.

One of my favorite areas in psychology is trauma-informed care because it highlights the profound impact past experiences have on mental health and emphasizes safety, empowerment, and healing in therapy. I’m also deeply interested in developmental psychology, especially understanding how people grow and change emotionally across the lifespan—from childhood through old age. This holistic view helps me tailor therapy to each person’s unique stage of life and challenges.

My advice to young students aspiring to enter psychology is to stay curious, compassionate, and patient with the process. Psychology is a vast and evolving field—take time to explore different areas to find what truly resonates with you. Invest in building strong foundational knowledge, but also seek hands-on experiences like internships, volunteering, or research. These practical experiences are invaluable in understanding real-world challenges.

Remember, self-care is crucial. Working in mental health can be deeply rewarding but also emotionally demanding. Developing resilience and maintaining your own well-being will help you sustain a fulfilling career. Lastly, embrace lifelong learning—psychology is a field that grows with every new discovery and personal insight.

One psychology myth I wish would disappear is the idea that therapy is only for people with “serious” mental illness or “big” problems. This misconception prevents many from seeking support when they need it. In reality, therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand themselves better, cope with life’s stresses, improve relationships, or simply grow emotionally. Mental health care isn’t just for crisis—it’s for everyone’s well-being and personal development.

If my therapy room had a theme song, it would be “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles — because therapy is all about finding light, hope, and healing even after the darkest times. It’s a reminder that growth and change are possible, and brighter days are ahead.

Dancer.

If I could have coffee with any famous psychologist, it would be Carl Rogers. His humanistic approach, emphasizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the client’s own capacity for growth, deeply inspires my work. I’d love to hear more about his experiences and insights firsthand—how he developed his ideas and the challenges he faced in promoting person-centered therapy.

If my life were a movie, it would be called “The Healing Journey”—because life is full of challenges, growth, and transformation, and at its heart, it’s about learning to navigate pain and find resilience, hope, and meaning along the way.

Being artistic in any form, gardening, indulging in sports, reading rom-com/ murder mysteries.

Grilled Cheese and coffee.

My friends would say I’m caring, easy to talk to, and someone who really listens. They’d probably add that I’m calm and curious—always up for a good conversation about life and feelings.

If I could change one thing about the world, it would be to foster greater understanding and compassion among people. So much suffering comes from misunderstanding, fear, or judgment. If we could all approach each other with empathy and kindness—especially around mental health—I believe the world would be a much gentler and healthier place.

Greenland.

"The wound is the place where the light enters you.” — Rumi