Therapy is such a confidential situation, so not everyone gets to hear about the great work that is done behind closed doors. So that’s why we have put together a series of short interviews with our therapists to feature the amazing work they do and a little about the people behind the job titles.
Here we are featuring our Psychotherapist & Case Manager Jasprit Kaur. Here’s what she had to say:
Can you briefly tell me about yourself?
“Hi, I am a psychological therapist. Therapists work in different ways, and they have training in different modalities. There are modalities that focus on present life as an outcome of childhood experiences, and modalities that stay in the here and now. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for example, is very technique based and homework focused, which is more practical. I integrate CBT, attachment theory (going back into childhood), and a person-centred theory (the idea to follow the client on their journey and guide them through). I also have a background in trauma informed practice (the idea that when you are working with clients that have been through trauma, you have to create safety in the room, which can be emotional safety, physical safety to re-empower the client). I am also a Case Manager, so I support junior members of the team at Rutland House. I also work with the employer funded contracts as well offering short-term / time limited therapy.
Outside of your work, what do you like doing in your free time?
“I enjoy sleeping! I am also a big binge watcher, so I enjoy binge watching Netflix series or Disney plus series. I also like meeting up with friends for brunch.”
Why did you choose your career path?
“When I was younger, I watched a film called ‘Dangerous Method’, which was about therapists and their ways of working. I thought ‘this is so interesting to see the psychological side, how they were supporting the clients, and the different ways they work’, which gave me an interest in the psychology world.
If someone walked up on the street, and asked for some advice about mental health, and you had about 1 min to spare, what would you say?
“I would say ‘it’s okay to feel the way you really feel, don’t let anyone tell you any different, and it’s okay to say no and put yourself first’. There are situations where someone is angry or stressed, and the friend tells them ‘Don’t be angry, or don’t be stressed’, which are not the best things you can do for them. Instead, tell them that ‘it’s ok to feel how you feel, it’s valid considering what you have been through’.
What is the objective of a psychotherapy session in your opinion?
“Clients usually come with a goal, so when we do an assessment with them, we always ask them ‘what do you want to get out of the therapy?’. We have an idea of what might benefit them, but we really need to know what their goal is. Therefore, trying to help the client achieve their goals is one of the objectives. All therapists have different things they prioritise, but for me, the other thing would be empowering the clients, giving them the power and control to show them that they have a lot of value and a lot of worth, which a lot of people don’t recognise because they are told the opposite, but actually they are just as important if not more. ”
When do you think someone should consider psychotherapy?
“If they are stuck in life, if they want a space to talk. If you are talking to your friends or family members, you might think ‘I don’t want to worry them, I don’t want to stress them, they’ve got their own things going own’, so a lot of people can be left feeling like they are a burden. Therefore, I think having someone separate to talk to, who they won’t have to worry about being judged can be helpful. Struggling with their mental health to an extent, some people might be in a crisis with their mental health, and for some people therapy might be appropriate, some people may need more primary intervention by a doctor or a psychiatrist. So, I think making that distinction of ‘is therapy is the right choice for you?’, and ‘are you able to sit in sessions and focus?’ is important as well.”
As a psychotherapist, how do you manage to be emotionally available to your clients all the time?
“Supervision is very important. All therapists should be having supervision. Many people have a job where they can go home and talk about it, but because of confidentiality, we don’t talk about clients at home. So, it’s about getting that balance of how do you get that support but not cross the line of confidentiality, and thats why Supervision is so important. ”
How do you manage your stress from work?
“It’s important to have your own coping mechanisms, know what they are and use them when you need to. You also have to have self-awareness. If you don’t have it, you may get mixed up with the client’s feelings. So, I think being aware of you, your health, what helps you, and what doesn’t is important. For me, if I have had a really long day, I would make sure that I have got mini chocolate trifles in my fridge, so that when I am home, I can reward myself.”
What do you like about your job?
“I like the fact that you are changing life, I think it is an amazing work that therapists do. I also like the supportive work environment, if you don’t have that, work can be really stressful. Even if a job is stressful, being in a supportive environment can make a big difference. I like being with the clients, seeing them, and following them on their journeys. It is rewarding, and also an honour that they chose you, and let you in into intimate details of their life.”
Know more about Rutland House’s team members:
