The doctor has arrived! Meet, Dr, Vinita Menon (AKA drvinitamenon, thrivecollectivepsychology on Instagram)! As a psychologist, Vinita understands the power of psychological research and the impact it can have on treating her clients. Vinita works in various settings. In her private practice, Vinita works with individuals struggling with ADHD, Autism, or other mental health challenges. Vinita also has her own coaching business. As an Indian immigrant, Vinita understands how culture impacts the South Asian woman. Her coaching business helps these women navigate their lives in a more meaningful way. Vinita also shines as a school psychologist. There's so much goodness in this episode, and I cannot wait for you all to hear it! Here are some key takeaways:

1. A large part of our jobs as psychologists and master level mental health clinicians is to research. We may not like it, but we need to be consumers of it. Our clients will appreciate it, and we will be better at our jobs because of it. AND. Clients appreciate the science!!
2. You can be South Asian, AND have supportive parents. There's a lot of negativity about the immigrant and/or South Asian parent. Vinita shares how her parents, born and raised in India, were supportive of her decision to pursue mental health. If you're looking for some "feels," you need to listen to that part of our convo!
3. To become a psychologist, requires a doctorate degree. Vinita did her undergraduate and master's degree from Loyola University and her doctorate at Northern Illinois University.
4. Your priorities should align with your values. You can make time for it all - but you have to be ok with being flexible, too

I cannot say enough good things about Seher (AKA: TheChaiCircles - on Instagram)! Her words captivated me, she is so incredibly intelligent, kind, and gentle. Her heart, in the truest and most pure way, is in this profession. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation

1. Learn more about your family, where they came from, their struggle, and the traumas they may have had to endure. This will help you build empathy for them, and also potentially serve as a guide to what you feel you want to do as a career.
2. Prioritize your safety, whether it's at school, around your family and friends or in the professional world. If you feel like you cannot be true to yourself and your values, then that might be your signal that you do not feel safe in the environment in which you're in - somethings gotta change at that point!
3. Sometimes, we struggle to speak out. As a therapist, this is an important skill that may not be talked about enough. Practice speaking out and sharing your thoughts while you're in school. This will help you be a better advocate when you actually work with clients.

Meet Marylune (AKA: ilovetherapy661), a true inspiration for all of us. She absolutely loves this profession and all that it can be. Through the challenges that life brought, Marylune found passion in helping others make sense of themselves and the world in which they live. I was lucky to have her on the podcast, and her clients are so lucky to have her as their therapist. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Your education MATTERS, but it doesn't stop at earning your masters. Be prepared to be humbled, and know that you will be constantly learning from other professionals and your clients.
2. Your story may not look like anyone else's. Reach out for support to get to where you want to go (We all need help!).
3. As long as you love what you do, it won't necessarily feel like work, and if it does, that MIGHT be your body telling you something needs to change.
4. Take advantage of volunteer opportunities, you'll learn so much about your community and the people that need you.

Meet Tracy (Aka: TheBadIndianTherapist - on Instagram)! She is the "bad Indian you've been warned about." Tracy is a mental health clinician, licensed in New York, California, and Florida. On this episode, she discussed her career, her parents (somewhat) acceptance of her desired path in life, and her passion to dismantle white supremacy in her work with South Asian clients. I am so excited to have interviewed her, and I am thrilled that you all get to listen to her! This is a good one. I promise! Here are some key takeaways:

1. Your family may not agree with your career choice. Surround yourself with those that love the field as much as you do. The hope is that your family does see the value of the profession, and will come around.
2. Your job as a therapist doesn't stop at seeing clients. You need to educate yourself on what's happening around the world that may be impacting your clients.
3. You need to live by your ethical code, and strive for a more just society. It's not just words, it's through your actions, too.
4. No one cares about how fancy your website is, how you look, whether or not you use big words, etc. Your clients will see right through that. Don't let the superficial stuff, keep you from making an impact in the lives of your clients.