Beyond the Couch, Psychotherapy as a Social Change Agent

Entering the field of psychotherapy is like trying to solve the puzzle of the human mind, where comprehension and healing are intertwined. With the guidance of Rojisha Shahi from Healthy Minds, we explore deeper into the complex arena of mental health.

Let us start with a basic inquiry: What distinguishes psychotherapy as a guiding light of transforming assistance amongst the maze of our thoughts? Fundamentally, psychotherapy is both an art and a science—an understanding investigation meant to simplify the intricacies of human feelings, ideas, and actions in order to promote recovery and development. Allow us to explore this intriguing discussion and discover the insights Rojisha Shahi kindly gives on the difficulties and dynamics of psychotherapy within Nepalese society.

 

1. Can you provide a brief overview of what psychotherapy entails and how it differs from other mental health professions?

Psychotherapy is an advanced form of treatment in which we discuss problems, events, and their causes. In other words, physiotherapy treats mental conditions mostly through verbal engagement. hence it is comparable to other mental health professionals. The majority of mental health practitioners practice psychotherapy. Psychiatrists also practice it, albeit most of them prescribe medication. Thus, psychotherapists generally do psychotherapy. A person with a mental health condition is either treated with medicine or psychotherapy.  It is a type of care for mental health issues.

2. What inspired you to become a psychotherapist, and what aspects of the profession do you find most fulfilling?

I believe that I decided to become a psychotherapist because I saw a need for mental health professionals in the years between 2016 and 2017. I noticed a gap in the field where there were no psychotherapists, so I thought that this was the profession I should pursue because I was good at talking and communicating, which helped me feel okay.

Additionally, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is seeing someone you have been talking to for a while succeed in life, make the right decisions, or pass away. I believe that this is the most fulfilling aspect of my line of work. It also helps you to see someone doing well if you are supporting them until the very end, which is a truly satisfying feeling. Most people who receive psychotherapy mistakenly believe that they are passive talkers or listeners, but this is not the case in physiotherapy, where mental health issues are resolved by verbal engagement. Psychotherapy is a misconception that friends and relatives may offer you; it is only given when a person is by themselves or has no one else with whom to chat. We are working to increase knowledge of psychotherapy since, in Nepal, the majority of people are unaware of it. When someone visits for psychotherapy but is unaware of the treatment, I give them an overview of what psychotherapy is, how it works, and why it works.

3. In your practice, do you emphasize a holistic approach to mental health, considering factors beyond the psychological, such as lifestyle, relationships, and overall well-being?

Of course, we strive to emphasize the holistic approach because mental health is not dependent on a single factor. Therefore, we make every effort to incorporate as much as we can by assessing lifestyle, relationship overall well-being, family dynamics, school environment, college environment, and work/job. We consider these factors because maintaining mental health is crucial, so we emphasize the holistic approach.

4. How can individuals and society work together to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues?

The value of educating people about mental illness and the stigma associated with it, as awareness and stigma around it have decreased. People may open up about their emotions, mental health issues, and stress levels, but as a society we need to learn to listen and not write off individuals who are going through a tough moment. In order to address this, we must widely increase knowledge because it is challenging for people in Nepal to comprehend mental health. The significance of teaching others about mental illness and the stigma associated with it, as well as the advantages and difficulties of getting treatment. By doing this, we can contribute to the improvement of mental health and the reduction of stigma in Nepal.

5. What are some of the challenges that psychotherapists commonly face, and how do you navigate these challenges in your professional journey?

Being a psychotherapist makes coping with negativity difficult, but it may be managed by regular exercise, writing, spending time with loved ones, and friends, and keeping stability in one's life. But because they spend their days hearing bad stories, a lot of psychotherapists have trouble overcoming this downward spiral.

6. For individuals who may be hesitant or uncertain about seeking therapy, what advice or insights would you offer to help them make an informed decision?

Those who are hesitant to seek treatment are advised to accept themselves and their need for assistance. Seeking assistance does not imply weakness or an inability to handle one's own difficulties; rather, it speaks to a desire to handle situations more skillfully. It is never harmful to ask for assistance, and doing so does not indicate weakness or that you are going through a trying moment.

Understanding what therapy is, how it works, and how it benefits is essential before beginning treatment. Learn about the advantages of treatment and do your research on it. Inquire about a person's experience if they are seeking therapy, as the majority of misunderstandings center on the idea that a person cannot get treatment because they are mentally ill, unstable, or weak.

7. How has technology impacted the field of psychotherapy, and do you see any emerging trends or advancements that could shape the future of mental health care?

In psychotherapy, online counseling has gained popularity, and there are several apps that can be used at home to help with breathing techniques, meditation, and other coping skills. Despite its drawbacks, social media has helped psychotherapy by offering a plethora of writing applications, breathing techniques, and meditation techniques. Therapy is now more quick and accessible as a result. Positive developments in treatment are anticipated as technology and therapy become more seamlessly interwoven. In general, it is anticipated that the sector will advance significantly as a result of the combination of technology and therapy.

8. Given the emotionally demanding nature of the profession, what self-care practices do you personally find effective, and how do you encourage your peers and clients to prioritize self-care?

I do my best to go to the gym consistently and as often as I can. I recognize that you may occasionally be motivated or not at all. I try to get to the gym two or three times a day at the very least. I make it a point to see my spouse and friends because it's important to have a strong social network and a secure place to talk about problems and experiences in life. I also journal, which is another really important self-care practice that I really believe in. Writing in a journal has therefore been really helpful to me. Therefore, in my opinion, simply because you're choosing to take care of yourself or yourself. As such, you're not a selfish person. It seems to me that we were taught that if you don't select yourself, you also have to realize that if you're too busy choosing yourself, you might not be able to choose other people. As to some of them, self-care is something you should do. I believe that writing, increasing your awareness of your surroundings, or just setting aside 10 or 20 minutes each day for yourself are simple ways to begin practicing self-care.