Prominent Indian Psychologist in UAE: Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela
From Accidental Discovery to Passionate Pursuit
We kicked off the conversation asking, "So, Doc, what's the story behind your journey into becoming a psychologist?"
Dr. Sonakshi quipped, "It all started by luck, actually. A Senior Academic Leader pointed me towards Psychology, saying it'd be great for an MBA in HR down the line. But during university, I found myself captivated by the discussions, reading materials, and sessions in counselling and clinical psychology. I could see the impact it had on people's lives, and that was it - I was hooked!"
Cross-Cultural Counseling
Bouncing on to the subject of providing services to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, we inquired, "What's your experience been like when catering to people from different parts of the world? How do you customize your approach to meet their unique needs?"
Dr. Sonakshi shared, "Working with diverse clients can be both challenging and rewarding. Building rapport is key - that's what keeps me going even with clients from different nationalities. I am genuinely interested in people and their cultures, as they teach me plenty in my therapeutic journey too. Creating an environment based on respect, boundaries, and transparency has helped me sail smoothly across cultures."
'Counseling Interventions for Millennials' - The Book That Fills a Void
Our team was curious about her published book, 'Counseling Interventions for Millennials' released in 2020. So, we asked, "What inspired you to write the book and what are its major messages?"
Dr. Sonakshi said, "I noticed a space in the system where Master's in Psychology students were having a hard time figuring out therapeutic interventions and conversations with clients—even diagnosing them was a struggle. So, I wrote this book to help beginners in the field. It offers templates for symptoms, behavioral symptoms, short-term goals, long-term goals, and counselling interventions. It's a handy guide for new psychologists as they navigate their early career."
An Academic Heavyweight
We asked about her impressive academic qualifications, which include Harvard Certification and a Ph.D. in Psychology. "How has this heavyweight education shaped your teaching and mentoring strategies?"
Dr. Sonakshi shared, "My educational journey has played a pivotal role in my professional life. My advanced pedagogical techniques and strategies emphasize a student-centric approach, emphasizing active engagement and knowledge retention. My classroom environment is dynamic, inclusive, and encourages active participation."
Making Psychology Global
We delved into her involvement in various national and international events, seminars, and community engagement initiatives. "What impact do you think these activities have on psychological care and mental health awareness?
Dr. Sonakshi explained, "These events create conversations, raise awareness, and foster acceptance. Once people are aware of their mental health concerns, they start introspecting and searching for possible interventions, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives."
Association Advantages
We questioned her about her membership to various prestigious Psychology and Health Science associations such as the American Psychological Association, Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, and Middle East Psychological Association. "What kind of benefits do these affiliations bring to your work?"
Dr. Sonakshi admitted, "Being part of these associations offers a wealth of networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and chances for collaboration. I stay updated on the latest research and best practices in psychology. Plus, I can share my insights, discuss challenges, and advocate for the advancement of clinical psychology practice in India and the UAE."
Motivated by Awards
We touched on the awards she has received, including the 'Leader of Impact' and the 'People's Choice Award for Excellence in Mental Health.' "What effect do these recognitions have on your motivation and work approach?"
Dr. Sonakshi said, "Winning prestigious awards like these is incredibly inspiring. They let me know that my efforts are valued, which motivates me to keep pursuing excellence. Recognition from my peers and colleagues encourages me to push boundaries and achieve more."
Future Goals
To wrap things up, we inquired about her goals in the field of psychology, academically, and clinically. "What are your aspirations for the future in terms of clinical practice and contributions to academia and research?"
"I plan to specialize in trauma therapy and mindfulness-based interventions to better serve my clients facing mental health challenges, she said. Regarding academics and research, I am dedicated to continuing my scholarly pursuits by engaging in research projects that address pressing mental health issues. I aspire to publish my findings in reputable journals, present at conferences, collaborate with fellow researchers, and train the next generation of psychologists." Dr. Sonakshi concluded
Don't forget to connect with Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela on LinkedIn, or visit her website drsonakshi.com for more information.
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- During her university studies, Dr. Sonakshi found herself captivated by the impact of counselling and clinical psychology on people's lives, leading to her passionate pursuit of becoming a psychologist.
- Dr. Sonakshi customizes her approach to cater to diverse clients from different parts of the world by building rapport, showing genuine interest in people and their cultures, and creating an environment based on respect, boundaries, and transparency.
- In response to a gap in the system where Master's in Psychology students were struggling with therapeutic interventions and diagnosing clients, Dr. Sonakshi wrote 'Counseling Interventions for Millennials' to help beginners in the field.
- Dr. Sonakshi's advanced educational qualifications, including Harvard Certification and a Ph.D. in Psychology, have shaped her teaching and mentoring strategies, emphasizing a student-centric approach, active engagement, and knowledge retention.
- Dr. Sonakshi believes that her involvement in national and international events, seminars, and community engagement initiatives creates conversations, raises awareness, and fosters acceptance, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives.
