Navjot Kaur
Using empathic confrontation, Navjot discusses how this skill is a highly effective tool that can drive deep change and also enhances the therapeutic relationship in counselling.
Q&A with Navjot
For starters, tell me a little about yourself
In terms of education, I am currently completing my MA in Counselling Psychology and have a BSc in Psychology from York University. Aside from my interest in psychology, I am someone who loves to be engaged in anything creative! I enjoy baking and am always finding fun new recipes to try out. Whenever possible, I love to travel and learn about cultures and traditions around the world. I am always looking for opportunities to grow and learn from the world around us!
What's your therapeutic style? What's your approach to therapy?
When it comes to therapy, I take a client-centered approach where the role of the client is encouraged and prioritized. I strive to provide my clients with a non-judgmental and empathetic space in which they can share, learn and grow. I understand that it is not necessary that any one approach can be a “one size fits all” for my clients. Therefore, I have a collaborative approach that draws from multiple theoretical approaches in order to help provide a true client-centered experience. Above all, my goal is to help clients feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives!
What mental health concerns do you specialize in?
Belonging to a South-Asian background, I grew up seeing a lot of stigma and fear surrounding the idea of mental health and the negative consequences of not getting professional support. I chose to pursue psychotherapy because I wanted to be in a profession in which I am able to uplift others and help individuals work towards changing their lives!
What's the best compliment you have received while being a psychotherapist?
I definitely think that my best skill in psychotherapy is that I am a very good empathetic listener. I have a very non-judgmental approach to therapy, which helps encourage clients to be their authentic selves in the therapy room. I have also been told by peers that I have a very friendly and warm presence during therapy sessions. Overall, I think that my skills allow for clients to be able to develop a positive client-therapist connection in the therapy room!
What can clients expect when they work with you?
Clients can expect a very open, non-judgemental and culturally-sensitive experience when they work with me. My top priority is to make my clients feel welcome and safe in the therapy room. They can expect to set goals for therapy collaboratively and have my support every step of the way towards achieving those goals. I strive to provide an encouraging and positive space for clients!
What are some therapeutic values that you bring to the table?
Personally, I see therapy as being something unique to each client. Thus, I approach therapy as an adaptable and multi-approach experience. My goal is to empower clients to be able to be a guide in their own therapy. Therefore, if a goal or technique is not working for a client, we would collaboratively make the necessary changes that would make the client feel comfortable. I believe that it is very important to understand and be aware of how clients are feeling in regards to therapy and be able to openly discuss what is working for them and what might need to be changed.
Why choose you?
I provide clients with a very comfortable, open and judgement-free space where they can feel safe to share their thoughts and opinions. My goal is to provide clients with the encouragement and support they need to feel empowered to create positive changes in their daily lives!