Psych POV - Shreya Kaul

I am currently working in an independent practice, Psychology Advisor and Consultant psychologist with Flutter Care Pvt Ltd.

I have been practising for over 4.5 years.

I often think this profession chose me. I was on path to do something else and then went through a bad mental health phase. Circumstances arose that I had to come back from the US where I was pursuing psychology more in the HR sphere to complete my undergrad here in India. I was in therapy then, and something clicked. I had always been the groups Aunty Annie; people would always share things with me. It suddenly felt that yeah this is exactly what I should be doing.

I think the best part of my profession is when clients realize the small changes that they have made and worked towards. It's always such a special moment when they're like "Oh sh*t, I wouldn't have been able to do this a while back" -and it's a moment of celebration for both of us.

My areas of focus are: Body Image, Gender and Sexuality concerns (Experience with the LGBTQIA+ Community), Grief and Bereavement, Sexual Health and Well Being, Relationship Issues, Self work, Mood and Anxiety, Self Harm, Trauma work.

I primarily work with young adults and adults. I take both individual and couple sessions.

I'm a Queer-Affirmative, Sex and Kink-Positive Counselling Psychologist. Over the past 4.5 years my approach has found grounding in Person Centered Therapy and Narrative Practice. It has been informed by Feminist and Intersectional ideologies. It also finds foundation in Trauma Informed Therapy, even though I am yet to receive formal training in it.

I funnily enough started working in the field in the middle of covid, so I started online. Most of my practice is online. I did think that there would be a difference, but honestly the quality of the work doesn't change. It depends on the client's preference. Working online has given us the capacity to work with anyone and anywhere, which is a huge benefit. My clientele is international at the moment which wouldn't be possible if not for tele consultations. One thing that has also happened with the onset of tele consultations, is that therapists now can take their work with them to wherever they want - which has been beneficial for them to take care of themselves.

I think while most concerns manifest eventually in symptoms of anxiety or depression - it is important to dig deeper and get into what the context is. Lately, I've been working a lot with body image concerns. The pressure to look a certain way has resulted in individuals having very dysfunctional relationships with their bodies. There is also a lot of disconnection from self and a lot of dependence on external validation; and this is of all kinds.

Something else that is on the rise, that I would especially mention is the feeling of loneliness. People are more and more finding it tough to make new relationships - especially since COVID. This is something that has been very prominent recently.

I think being very much in touch with how I'm doing is important. If I'm not at 100%, I make sure to not take sessions that day - even if it means rescheduling because I don't want to show up half present for my clients. It isn't fair to them. I'm particular about my work hours and don't respond outside of them. It was tough in the beginning but it's a boundary that I am pushing to have now. Emotional fatigue is a very common consequence of the job, and that is why taking constant breaks, having your own support system, having a therapist and knowing how to compartmentalize is key for a therapist.

That you're not weak to want to go to therapy. I have always believed that there is a beautiful strength in being vulnerable and seeking support. Because what it means is that you are choosing yourself. So, it's ok that you're hesitating. It is scary and potentially a tough journey - but you're choosing yourself and your wellbeing, and that is what is key.

I think my personal challenge is my inability to take regular breaks. It's something that as an issue, I am consistently working with.

I think I would love for it to be more centralized as a field. To have a central regulating body that decides education, training and certifications. Also to have a ethical check on how therapy is being conducted within the country. I would love it to be a necessary part of workplaces - to have proper tie ups with different types of workplaces. Insurance coverage for therapy, so that it can be more accessible.

It has, but it has a long way to go.

Know that you're not alone and that nothing is wrong with you. We all struggle, and it is okay to. Be okay with not being okay, because it is a part and parcel of life. The biggest thing is just to be open to being vulnerable and seeking support in any way.

I really like Social Psychology - because it explains so many aspects of human behaviour.

Be open to unlearning. You're in or about to enter a field that is constantly evolving, and a part of evolving is breaking down concepts and ideologies that you might already have in you. Be curious and excited to learn more. Most importantly know that multiple truths can exist, which only means that everyone's perception of their reality is subjective.

That only people who are mentally unwell or are in a severe condition go for therapy. Anyone can go for therapy. So many people go for therapy in the hopes of self exploration, development, up skilling or simply to have a place where they can reflect.

I think 'Hey Jude' by the Beatles is lovely. There is a melancholic but hopeful aspect to it.

I think it would be either a makeup artist or something in the performing arts, maybe music or theater.

I think it would have to be Freud, just to know what the hell the thought process was.

What is meant to be, will be.

Reading, watching shows, singing and dancing.

I think comfort food is my mom's Dal and Rice.

Loyal, empathetic, kind, caring, sassy and dramatic (in the way I speak).

Just the amount of blind hatred.

Any beach with clear blue waters.

"Grief is love that doesn't have any place to go."