Shazia Datoobhoy is an integrative psychotherapist and works with adults with a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, sexual and domestic abuse, self-confidence and self-esteem issues, to name a few.
She specialises in trauma and has worked successfully over the years with people struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Complex-PTSD and childhood trauma. She started her mental health journey as a support worker for Hertfordshire Mind Network and now works with them as a therapist for the National Health Service (NHS), in addition to her own practice in London as well as online.
In this insightful conversation, we covered a wide spectrum of concerns – from British Indians being hesitant about therapy to coping mechanisms we all have access to within us.
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“I think people are becoming more and more aware of their mental wellbeing, becoming more aware of mental health in general. Of course, we've got a long way to go… There is still a stigma for sure, especially with men,” she reflects.
While for some people opening up to a professional comes easily, others often struggle to verbalise their emotions.
Shazia explains: “My job is to try and understand what people are saying both verbally and non-verbally… I try and make the space as comfortable, as open and as safe for people. I always say, you can say as much or as little as you want in this session.
“The biggest experts about ourselves, are ourselves… at the end of the day, the only person who's lived your life is you.”
Do watch the full video above for some real nuggets on empowering ourselves and embracing all-round wellness.
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Reena Ranger OBE is the Chair and Co-Founder of Women Empowered. In this exclusive "In Conversation" series for iGlobal, the dynamic entrepreneur-philanthropist catches up with high-achieving Global Indians across different fields to spotlight some insightful life lessons.
*The views expressed in the responses are of the interviewees.
*Info: Circle Tree Therapy