Dr. Ruhi Satija, Consultant Psychiatrist, Therapist and Mind Transformation Mentor

Interview with Dr. Ruhi Satija, Consultant psychiatrist, therapist and mind transformation mentor

Dr. Ruhi Satija is a consultant psychiatrist, therapist, & mind transformation mentor. She has her own practice, DIVINE MIND CLINIC, Dadar (Matunga) Mumbai.

With a passion for improving Mental Health and creating a change in society, she has launched her own firm Decoding Mental Health Pvt Ltd a company that works towards improving lives of people suffering from mental health issues by making mental health accessible & affordable via various initiatives like webinars, workshops, online consultation & therapy sessions & community Outreach programs. The company also undertakes professional training for mental health professionals

She is also associated with IFMCH International Foundation for Maternal and Child Health and providing expert care through virtual Consultation in remote areas.

Tell us a little about yourself

Dr. Ruhi Satija: I am a Mother of a 2 year old , a psychiatrist, counseling therapist, mind transformation mentor and an entrepreneur.

I completed my education with a degree in psychiatry, followed by specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy, and mind transformation. Followed by certification in Perinatal women’s mental health and addiction medicine.

I own a company called Decoding Mental Health that works towards improving mental health care in society via various services such as workshops, consultations, transformational mental wellness retreat programmes.

Can you briefly describe your experience in the field of psychiatry, therapy, and mind transformation?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: I have worked in various mental health settings such as rehabilitation setups as well as hospitals and  currently working with CloudNine Hospital Mumbai.

Over the years, I have gained valuable experience in the fields of psychiatry, therapy, and mind transformation.

This has allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the human mind and behavior. Through my work, I have witnessed the transformative power of therapy and the profound impact it can have on individuals’ lives.

It is incredibly fulfilling to help people overcome their challenges and unlock their potential for personal growth and well-being.

What motivated you to pursue a career as a psychiatrist and therapist?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of the human mind and the potential for growth and transformation.

As they say , it is all in the mind , I have always been intrigued by human behavior and wanted to use this passion to create a path for a fulfilling life where I can help people become their best version and live a fulfilling life.

How do you approach the process of therapy and mind transformation with your clients?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: Empathy, compassion, and a client-centered approach are the fundamentals of my practice . I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can openly express themselves.

By actively listening, I strive to understand their unique experiences, challenges, and goals. Together, we collaboratively explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identifying patterns and developing strategies for positive change and personal growth.

I do this both on one on one basis as well as in my group retreat programs where along with talk therapy we also use different modalities such as somatic therapies, art therapy, Breathwork, guided imagery, trauma release and more .

What specific techniques or modalities do you utilize in your practice, and how do they contribute to the overall well-being of your clients?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, psychodynamic therapy, art therapy , movement therapy and solution-focused brief therapy, are some of the modalities used based on individual client need , these help in creating awareness as well as building resilience in clients to take ownership of their life path and create permanent changes towards a fulfilling life.

You mentioned about mental health retreats, please share some insight about what it is .

Dr. Ruhi Satija: Most of the retreats in India have a goal of relaxation using yoga and meditation only. Decoding thyself is one of a kind self transformation retreat programs in India which takes participants on a profound journey of self-exploration, healing, and growth.

By incorporating evidence-based techniques and customized modalities, we foster an environment that encourages the exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

In addition to developing resilience and stress management capabilities, participants gain the valuable skill of creating a roadmap towards their ideal life.

This process empowers them to unlock their innate potential, fostering a sustainable path towards overall well-being and the fulfillment of their aspirations and live a life they truly deserve.

It is a self therapy based program where all the tools required for living a successful life are taught to individuals so they do not need any therapist later and training is done online in form of Modules and then experiential therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, meditation, imagery, Breathwork, yoga , trauma therapy and movement therapy are used for high impact and a life altering experience, there is something magical that happens when a group of like minded people embark on a journey of self realization as a tribe .

In your experience, what are some of the most common mental health issues that individuals seek help for, and how do you address them?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: Some of the most common mental health issues individuals seek help for include anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, relationship issues, and self-esteem challenges.

We start with psycho education, identifying underlying factors, challenging negative thought patterns, and developing healthy coping strategies, we work together to alleviate symptoms and improve their overall mental health and well-being.

How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and research in the field of psychiatry and therapy?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: I am a member of Indian Psychiatrists society as well as Bombay Psychiatrists society, hence attending professional conferences, engaging in continuing education programs, Collaborating with colleagues and being a part of professional networks helps me stay informed about the latest developments in the field.

How do you approach the concept of self-care and mental well-being in your own life, and how does it influence your approach to helping others?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: My work requires me to be present for others and I myself am not feeling good, it is not possible to be able to help someone else hence self care is vital in my daily routine.

However being a mother and due to so many things that I do in a day it is not always possible to have time for a whole self-care routine but I make sure i engage in some form of self-care however small everyday.

These days I find spending time with my baby extremely relaxing and joyful but apart from that, My most favorite hobbies are journaling, meditation, yoga, reading and cooking.

I also love nature walks and walking meditation and creative visualizations. I do love pampering myself with aromatherapy and music / sound therapy, Tibetan meditation music is my favorite. If nothing else works on a day I spend some time in drop breathing exercises before sleep.

How do you handle situations where a client’s mental health condition may require additional interventions beyond therapy, such as medication or hospitalization?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: Sometimes medication or hospitalization are a necessity for clients , being a psychiatrist myself I am authorized to prescribe medications as well as refer a client for admission in a rehabilitation facility.

I collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals. I work in conjunction with  primary care physicians, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care for my clients.

Open and honest communication with clients and their families is key in guiding them towards the most appropriate interventions, while prioritizing their safety and well-being.

In your opinion, what role does stigma play in mental health, and how can it be effectively addressed at both an individual and societal level?

Dr. Ruhi Satija: Stigma continues to be a significant barrier in mental health care . To address this, it requires a multi-faceted approach.

At an individual level, I work towards promoting education, raising awareness, and fostering open conversations about mental health via various initiatives like live webinars, podcasts, workshops etc .

I also have started a decoding mental health community where anyone can join the group free of cost and learn skills to improve their mental health.

We do live webinars, q/a sessions and mental health challenges to help promote mental wellness. Anyone is free to join and there is no fee.

On a societal level, advocating for mental health policies, destigmatizing language, and promoting accessible and affordable mental health services are vital steps towards addressing stigma and ensuring that mental health is prioritized as an integral part of overall healthcare.

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