Aug 14, 2023
An Interview With Suvish Sundaram- Building a Career as a Counsellor
Mental health counsellors are indispensable figures in today's society, actively shaping the well-being of individuals and contributing to the overall mental and emotional health of communities. These dedicated professionals play a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards healthier and more fulfilling lives, navigating challenges, and achieving personal growth.
In an ever-changing world where emotional well-being is paramount, mental health counsellors stand as empathetic and skilled practitioners who help clients cultivate resilience and cope with a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns. Their expertise extends beyond traditional therapeutic approaches; they are adept at actively listening, building rapport, and tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual.
In our effort to share more knowledge about counselling and psychology with you, we interviewed Suvish Sundaram, who is a Counsellor for teenagers and young adults.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to pursue a career in psychology? What courses did you pursue to build a career in this field?
I'm Suvish Samuel Sundaram from Bangalore. I have a passion for food, trekking, and music, which reflect my life in Bangalore. Amidst these interests, I was also curious about the complexities of the human mind. I always wanted to study something related to the human brain. Even though medical school wasn't feasible, I pursued a dual degree in journalism, psychology, and literature (BA).
After three years of psychology studies, I pursued a master's degree. Among the options of clinical psychology, human resources, and industrial psychology, I chose Counseling Psychology. While I couldn't follow the medical path, counselling psychology still let me work closely with clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors.
Currently, I work as a Counsellor, primarily with teenagers and young adults. My natural empathetic listening ability has built strong trust with those I work with.
Can you tell us about your background and experience in counselling? How did you begin your career as a counsellor?
After completing my master's degree, I started my counselling career. The requirements and regulatory bodies for counselling can vary across countries. For instance, the UK and the US have different licences, while in India, there is currently no centralised structure for licensing. Nonetheless, holding a master's degree in counselling (MSc.) is generally advantageous and recognized as a credible qualification. Individuals without an MSc. may explore alternative paths by working as life coaches or counsellors, either through self-employment or employment by others.
In my case, I gained counselling experience and training under the guidance of a supervisor. Having supervision and personal mentorship is vital as it helps in understanding clients’ needs and ensuring ethical practice.
Initially, I worked under a supervisor at Montfort College, providing counselling services to students. Eventually, my name was added to the Montfort College student list as a counsellor. Through word-of-mouth and connections, I expanded my counselling practice to include Christ College as well. I also promoted my services through online platforms, directories, and recommendations from previous clients. While most of my clients have been students, I have also provided counselling to adults and teenagers.
How would you describe your counselling approach?
In my counselling approach, I concentrate on what aligns with my strengths and values. I believe therapy should be personal, client-centred, and experiential, going beyond mere problem-solving. I prioritise inner healing and exploring the root causes of issues rather than solely addressing the problems themselves.
One particular technique that interests me is Gestalt therapy, which allows individuals to delve into their past experiences and gain insight into their childhood. By confronting fears and addressing past traumas, clients can work towards healing and growth. Naturally, the ultimate goal is to find solutions and improve relationships.
Though people often benefit from counselling without fully comprehending the underlying thought processes that drive their behaviours, I encourage clients to examine their beliefs and challenge any unhelpful patterns.
During the initial session, I discuss my client's goals and explore whether my approach, known as experiential therapy or Gestalt therapy, aligns with their needs.
How do psychologists collaborate and work alongside psychiatrists to provide comprehensive mental health care?
For clients who are not currently seeing a psychiatrist, therapy may be their initial step. During therapy sessions, if clients face challenges that impede their focus or ability to engage, therapists may have trusted psychiatrists or specialists to whom they can refer clients. In cases where the issues are unclear and further assessment and diagnosis are necessary, clients may be referred to clinical psychologists associated with reputable hospitals or clinics. These psychologists can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify specific mental health conditions.
Clinical psychologists assess the duration and impact of symptoms over a specific period, typically 6 to 12 months, to determine if medication is necessary.
If therapy indicates the need for medication, they can be referred to a psychiatrist who can prescribe the appropriate medications.
In some cases, clients may already be undergoing treatment and medication for non-neurological health issues with a psychiatrist. In such situations, the psychiatrist may recommend therapy to address specific behavioural patterns that require modification. Therapy in this case may help the client explore the underlying causes of their mood fluctuations, examine their belief systems, or identify trauma triggers.
How is counselling different from any other type of therapy or psychological treatment?
Counselling and therapy both fall under the broad category of personal support and guidance. You can provide counselling on a personal level, and it is often pursued as a field of study through an MSc in psychology.
Within counselling psychology, there are various therapeutic approaches and methods you can take based on what works best for you as a counsellor and for your client.
Some of the commonly practised therapies include reality therapy, behaviour therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and process-oriented therapies like Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). These approaches involve analysing beliefs, exploring patterns, and understanding real-life experiences, etc. Transactional Analysis focuses on communication patterns, while psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches delve into the inner world and unconscious processes. Carl Rogers' person-centred therapy emphasises empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, while solution-focused therapy focuses on finding solutions and setting goals.
Can you describe the importance of self-care and stress management for psychologists? What practises do you follow to ensure your mental well-being?
As a psychologist, your ability to assist others is inherently linked to your own well-being.
Having your own therapist, supervisor and a support system is extremely important in this field. They help you recognize when you require assistance, even if you may not realise it yourself. Your support system can include family, friends, or a circle of individuals.
You must establish boundaries and prioritise self-care. If necessary, take a break or some time off, even if it's just for a couple of weeks.
Preserving your own identity as an individual is also important. Self-awareness plays a significant role in recognizing patterns or behaviours that indicate a disturbed mental state.
Personally, engaging in activities like playing music, journaling and praying give me emotional strength. Participating in physical exercise and sports, such as basketball, also contributes to my overall well-being.
Taking care of yourself, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care are essential aspects of being a psychologist.
What are the unique challenges you face as a counsellor working with teenagers and young adults in today's time?
Working with students in the 9th to 12th grade age range presents its own set of challenges. Establishing trust and rapport with students is crucial, but it often takes time for them to open up to me. They worry if I would side with their parents/ guardians and break confidentiality.
Self-awareness is also a challenge for this age group. They may struggle to identify and understand their own emotions and thoughts. They may require guidance in recognizing and expressing their needs. Sometimes, they may not even be aware of the specific issues they are facing, such as depression or anxiety, and it takes time and exploration to help them recognize and label their experiences.
Establishing an environment where they feel comfortable being honest and genuine is another challenge. They might feel compelled to wear masks or conceal their true selves due to fear of judgement or doubts about the counsellor's authenticity. It is my responsibility to create a safe space where they feel supported and free from judgement.
How do you stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the counselling field? Are there any professional development activities or resources you regularly engage in to enhance your skills and knowledge?
As therapists, we must consistently expand our knowledge and enhance our skills because each individual and situation presents unique issues and challenges. Similar to the field of physical health or diet, new studies and findings continuously emerge, leading to an ongoing quest for the most effective approaches.
When it comes to staying updated, therapists may choose to follow specific bloggers, read relevant magazines, or engage with reputable organisations that provide valuable insights and offer courses. There are a number of courses and skill training sessions conducted in institutes like NIMHANS and Christ College, Bangalore that I am aware of.
In my own practice, I find great benefits in connecting with fellow counsellors and engaging in discussions where we can share experiences and knowledge. Having a supportive network enables us to explore certain cases, exchange valuable resources, and inform one another about relevant courses or events. Sometimes, we even attend courses together or explore new therapeutic approaches as a collective.
Who is the ideal candidate for a career in psychology? What personal qualities or skills are typically beneficial for success in this field? What characteristics or traits might indicate that a career in psychology may not suit someone?
When it comes to being a therapist, both personal and professional traits matter. One crucial aspect is having a genuine sense of compassion towards people and prioritising their well-being over simply providing solutions. It is also valuable to naturally lean towards setting healthy boundaries, recognizing the tendency to excessively please others, and being able to assert oneself when necessary. Handling conflicts gracefully and not taking things personally is also important.
Therapy often involves delving into intense emotions, which means one must have the ability to remain composed and patient throughout the process. Being fully present with the client, without being overly attached to personal goals or rigid structures, allows for a more effective therapeutic experience.
Maintaining a balanced energy level is also essential. While sensitivity and thoughtfulness are valuable traits in a therapist, excessive sensitivity or a tendency to overthink can hinder the process. Finding the right equilibrium between being connected with oneself and remaining empathetically attuned to clients is important for fostering a supportive therapeutic environment.
Ultimately, a combination of personal and professional traits, such as compassion, boundaries, emotional regulation, and balance, contributes to being an effective and supportive therapist.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to build a career as a psychologist? What are the various avenues available in this field?
You must understand your motivations for pursuing this career path and ensure that they align with the purpose of the profession. Joining the field solely due to personal mental health issues or external influences may not lead to long-term satisfaction or success. Genuine curiosity and a desire to help others are crucial.
Counselling is a noble field that extends beyond monetary gains. The affordability of counselling services for clients should be considered.
Aspiring counsellors should actively experience life and seek personal fulfilment. This involves self-care, enjoying life, and finding happiness and peace. By embodying these qualities, counsellors can better understand and support their clients.
I would also advise that you complete a master’s degree.
There are a number of avenues available in this field such as working with educational institutions, corporates, hospitals and clinics, private practice, etc.
Lastly, even if finding a job in the counselling sector proves challenging for a fresher, there are alternative paths to consider. Internships or part-time jobs can be pursued, and taking a gap year to work with an agency, even if it is an unpaid opportunity, can provide valuable experience. This field requires patience and hard work, which will be worthwhile when you witness the positive impact you can make in someone's life.
MedBots wishes you all the best!