Therapy at work | Exclusive interview with workplace therapist on mental health

Let’s talk workplace therapy! We’re bringing you an exclusive with a workplace therapist who collaborates closely with BYJU’S Let’s Talk, a mental wellness initiative. With specialisation spanning nearly a decade in counselling and support for working professionals, Sudha offers us some valuable insights.

“A therapist provides unparalleled focus and support in your life. They listen, seek to understand, and help you reach your desired goals. Whether you’re stressed or overwhelmed, or just need a listening ear, a therapist can be a game-changer for your mental well-being,”, says Sudha Anantharam, a Psychotherapist and a YourDOST workplace therapist 

In this special edition, we’ll be exploring all things workplace therapy – from what is the Let’s Talk Initiative, to how therapists can help working professionals cope with mental health conditions. Grab your favourite stress ball and get ready to take your mental health in the workplace to the next level.

BYJU’S Let’s Talk Initiative

Through its mental wellness initiative, BYJU’S Let’s Talk, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment for BYJUites to prioritise their mental health and well-being. The organisation focuses on providing high-quality and accessible mental health support to every BYJUite through its collaboration with YourDOST, a recognized online counselling and emotional wellness platform based in India.

Let’s Talk offers a variety of options for mental health care. You can access one-on-one online counselling via chat 24/7, and even book appointments for chat, phone, or video counselling with an expert. The initiative also offers free self-assessment tests and wellness resources to help you stay mentally fit.

You can click here to get started and prioritise your mental health and well-being.

Also Read: Mental health terms are NOT adjectives: BYJUites on how to be mental health allies at work

In conversation with Workplace Therapist 

1. Can you tell us about your role as a workplace therapist?

As a therapist, my role is to provide support to working professionals experiencing stress, anxiety, or mental health conditions. My mission is to help you manage deadlines, navigate conflicts, and develop coping strategies for stress in your personal and professional lives. 

And I come equipped with tools, like mindfulness and boundary-setting techniques, to help an individual maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

2. As a therapist, what are some common challenges that you face? 

Firstly, the challenge for workplace therapists is to overcome the stigma around mental health and promote the importance of identifying and treating mental health conditions head-on. 

Secondly, people often avoid seeking help for their problems, believing they can handle them independently, including procrastination and lack of concentration at work. However, these problems may have deeper psychological roots that require professional help.

Thirdly, gender differences in seeking help for relationship matters exist, with women being more open to therapy than men. 

3. Why is therapy important for working professionals?

In this day and age, achieving a work-life balance is crucial for professionals to maintain their overall well-being and work performance. Those who prioritise their personal lives and take care of their physical and mental health tend to be more productive, engaged, and satisfied with their work. Therapy can play an important role in helping individuals maintain their wellness.

Also, therapy is not just for problem-solving but can help in bettering soft skills and personal development too. While individuals focus on improving work-related skills, soft skills are often neglected. However, soft skills are crucial for dealing with new challenges, reducing stress, enhancing performance, advancing careers, and improving people management skills.

4. How can working professionals balance the demands of their job while staying committed to therapy?

At first, people might be sceptical, but once they see the positive effect therapy has on their lives, they start scheduling calls and prioritizing their time for therapy, counselling, or coaching sessions. As they witness the direct impact on their work, they often continue with regular sessions.

If professionals think therapy is time-consuming, it’s important to remember its clear end goal: to help individuals become self-sufficient in managing their situations and take charge of their mental health. When they understand how crucial their emotional well-being is, they automatically make time for therapy.

5. How do you set achievable goals for therapy with working professionals? 

Imagine you’re in a workplace therapy session, and your therapist is like a wizard with a bag full of techniques to help you conquer your issues. As you work together, progress is tracked and goals are set for the upcoming weeks. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – you’ll also receive assignments to work on, in between sessions, like journaling or meditation, to help you overcome any obstacles that come your way. This is YOUR mental health journey, take charge of it. 

6. How do you adapt your therapy approach for working professionals with different career backgrounds or goals?

Human beings have similar issues, regardless of their backgrounds or situations. For example, prioritisation is a challenge that affects both homemakers and high-flying individuals. At our therapy sessions, we always keep in mind our client’s goals and work with them in a detailed and personalised manner. While people may face similar issues, the way they experience and handle them may differ based on their unique situations.

I work collaboratively with working professionals from different backgrounds, understand their needs and goals, and tailor techniques accordingly. Professionals seeking leadership skills may benefit from role-playing or communication training, while someone struggling with work-life balance may benefit from time management and stress-reduction techniques.

7. What advice do you have for working professionals who may hesitate to seek therapy?

It’s important to remember that every high-functioning adult can benefit from seeking therapy to improve their overall well-being. 

Therapy can help with raising self-awareness, clarifying issues, and establishing healthy boundaries in personal and professional relationships, which can reduce stress and increase productivity. You can attend seminars and workshops to understand mental health conditions. 

Don’t be afraid to prioritise your mental health, practice self-care, and if you’re struggling with anything in your life, talk to a therapist or mental health professional.

Also Read: It’s okay not to be okay: BYJUites on their mental health journey and breaking stereotypes

We hope this will help alleviate your concerns regarding workplace therapy. Workplace therapists are unsung heroes in the fight against stress and mental health conditions. With their support, you can develop strategies to manage stress and achieve a healthy work-life balance. Remember, seeking help and practising self-care is crucial for maintaining your well-being. 

BYJUites, don’t hesitate to reach out to a YourDOST therapist if you need to!