At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavor, we invited Arputha Jayanthi for an exclusive interview with us. Arputha is a Counselling Psychologist, Life and Leadership Coach, NLP Practitioner, Mindfulness Practitioner and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Arputha;
We are aware of your contributions to the ecosystem. Talk to us through your background and your journey, please?
I’m glad to share about my journey and my passion for serving others. I transitioned from a career in telemarketing to HR, and then took a break to pursue a psychology course, As I was committed to personal and professional growth. The fact that I found a deeper connection with helping others through psychology is truly inspiring.
Now armed with both practical experience in HR and a background in psychology, you may find unique and fulfilling ways to combine these skills. Whether it’s in the field of organizational psychology, counseling, or any other area that aligns with your interests, your diverse experiences can contribute to making a positive impact on individuals and communities.
How did you discover your passion, Coach?
Discovering one’s passion often involves a combination of personal experiences, self-reflection, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Your journey exemplifies the transformative effect that counseling can have on an individual’s life, motivating you to pay it forward and guide others through their own emotional and mental healing processes.
Passion for coaching often stems from a deep sense of empathy, a desire to connect with others, and the satisfaction that comes from witnessing positive transformations in people’s lives. My personal experiences not only shaped my career choice but also fueled a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those struggling emotionally and mentally.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
The resilience and growth I witness in my clients, coupled with the belief in the transformative power of counseling, drive me to persist through challenges as a counselor.
Here are a few potential factors that keeps me going despite challenges:
> Intrinsic Motivation
> Sense of Privilege and Responsibility
> Continuous Learning and Growth
> Client Success Stories
> Support Networks
> Self-Care Practices
Ultimately, the combination of personal values, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to ongoing growth can fuel the passion and resilience needed to navigate challenges in a helping profession like coaching and counseling.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
As a counselor, motivation may come from various sources such as witnessing positive transformations in clients, the impact of their work on others, ongoing professional development, and a genuine passion for helping people navigate their challenges.
The support and feedback from clients, as well as a commitment to personal and professional growth, often serve as significant motivational factors in the field of counseling.
The intrinsic reward of making a positive impact on someone’s life can be a powerful source of motivation in the counseling profession. Additionally, ongoing professional development, support from colleagues, and a commitment to personal growth may contribute to the counselor’s motivation and effectiveness in their daily work.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Being mindful is indeed a valuable strategy. Here are a few others that may contribute to personal and professional growth as a counselor:
– Continuous Learning
– Supervision and Peer Support
– Self-Reflection
– Cultural Competence
– Embracing Feedback
– Balancing Empathy and Boundaries
– Networking and Professional Connections
– Self-Care
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success as a Counseling Psychologist involves a combination of personal qualities, professional skills, and a commitment to ongoing growth.
Here are some key elements:
Expertise and Education: Continuous learning and staying updated on the latest research and therapeutic approaches are essential for maintaining expertise in the field.
Empathy and Understanding: A deep sense of empathy and understanding for others’ experiences fosters a strong therapeutic alliance and contributes to positive client outcomes.
Communication Skills: Effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is crucial for conveying empathy, facilitating understanding, and building rapport with clients.
Ethical Practice: Adherence to ethical guidelines and maintaining a high standard of professional conduct is fundamental to building trust and ensuring client well-being.
Cultural Competence: A culturally competent approach allows psychologists to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds, respecting their unique perspectives.
Active Listening: The ability to actively listen and validate clients’ experiences helps create a safe space for exploration and promotes self-discovery.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Being flexible in therapeutic approaches and adapting interventions to meet individual client needs contributes to successful outcomes.
Collaboration and Consultation: Engaging in supervision, consultation with peers, and collaborating with other professionals can enhance clinical skills and provide valuable insights.
Professional Networking: Building a network of colleagues and professionals in the field fosters collaboration, referrals, and opportunities for learning and growth.
Outcome Evaluation: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and adjusting approaches based on outcomes contributes to continuous improvement.
Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection promotes personal growth, helps identify areas for improvement, and enhances self-awareness.
Resilience: Psychologists often deal with challenging situations. Building resilience helps individuals cope with stress and navigate the emotional demands of the profession.
Client-centered Approach: Tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, recognizing their strengths, and involving them in the therapeutic process contribute to positive outcomes.
Advocacy and Education: Advocating for mental health awareness and engaging in educational initiatives can contribute to the broader well-being of individuals and communities.
Balanced Self-Care: Prioritising personal well-being through self-care practices is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining overall life satisfaction.
Success as an individual psychologist is a dynamic and evolving process that requires a combination of skills, personal attributes, and a commitment to ethical and client-centered practice.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Here are some general pieces of advice that may be beneficial for readers:
Prioritize Mental Health: Take proactive steps to prioritize your mental health. This includes practicing self-care, managing stress, and seeking professional support when needed.
Cultivate Self-Awareness: Regular self-reflection fosters self-awareness, helping you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This awareness is crucial for personal growth.
Seek Support When Necessary: It’s okay to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate small victories and progress along the way.
Embrace Change and Adaptability: Life is dynamic, and change is inevitable. Developing adaptability and resilience can help you navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Build Healthy Relationships: Cultivate positive and supportive relationships. Healthy connections with others contribute significantly to emotional well-being.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine to stay present and manage stress. Mindfulness can enhance your overall mental well-being.
Balanced Lifestyle: Strive for a balanced lifestyle that includes a mix of work, leisure, socializing, and self-care. Balance is key to maintaining overall well-being.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Practice cognitive restructuring by challenging negative or unhelpful thoughts. Foster a positive and constructive mindset.
Continuous Learning: Stay curious and engaged in lifelong learning. This not only expands your knowledge but also promotes cognitive well-being.
Advocate for Mental Health: Be an advocate for mental health awareness. Reducing stigma and promoting open conversations contribute to a more supportive society.
Celebrate Your Strengths: Acknowledge and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments. Positive affirmations can enhance self-esteem.
Set Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries in various aspects of your life, including work, relationships, and personal time.
Embrace Imperfection: Accept that perfection is unattainable. Embrace imperfections and learn from setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Enjoy the Present Moment: Practice gratitude and focus on the present moment. Appreciating what you have can foster a positive outlook.
Remember that individual needs vary, and it’s essential to tailor advice to your specific situation. If you’re facing significant challenges, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional who can provide personalized support.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The satisfaction often stems from witnessing positive transformations in clients’ lives. The ability to make a meaningful impact, support individuals in overcoming challenges, and contribute to their well-being can be deeply rewarding.
Additionally, the continuous learning and growth that come with staying updated on research, therapeutic approaches, and personal development contribute to the excitement of the profession.
Moreover, building strong therapeutic relationships, fostering resilience in clients, and being part of their journey towards greater mental health and fulfillment are aspects that many psychologists find immensely satisfying.
The diversity of clients, the opportunity to apply various therapeutic techniques, and the potential for making a positive societal impact by advocating for mental health awareness are additional factors that contribute to the satisfaction and excitement of being a Counseling psychologist.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
