Anita Sharma is a psychologist, who approaches the human mind with equal measures of empathy and insight. Known for her calm presence and thoughtful perspectives, she works closely with individuals navigating anxiety, relationship, trauma and the quiet emotional struggles that often go unseen. With experience working with individuals, couples and families, she has built a reputation for helping people navigate emotional challenges with clarity. Compassion and confidence. Anita Sharma stands as a reassuring voice bridging science, sensitivity and cultural understanding.

What inspired you to pursue a career in psychology?

I was inspired to pursue a career in psychology because I have always been curious about how people think and behave, especially when observing the world around us today. With so much happening in society, I often found myself wondering why people responded differently to similar situations and what influenced their choices, emotions, and behaviours. Psychology allows me to explore these questions on a deeper level and understand how factors like the environment, experiences, and social pressures shape a person’s behaviour. This interest motivated me to want to better understand others and eventually use that knowledge to make a positive impact.

How has your journey been as a psychologist? Have you faced unique challenges?

My journey as a woman in this field has required a lot of resilience and self-belief. In a world that is not always kind, there have been moments where certain spaces felt intimidating, but I chose to turn those experiences into strength rather than allow it to limit me. Instead of shrinking myself, I learned to speak up and trust my inner voice. These challenges have shaped my confidence, sharpened my perspective, and reinforced my commitment to the field.

What areas of psychology Do you specialise in and why did you choose them?

I specialize in counselling, focusing on people experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as adolescents, couples, and individuals recovering from surgery. I chose this area because I’m passionate about helping people go through life’s challenges. Supporting adolescents allows me to guide young people through critical stages of growth, counselling couples strengthens relationships, and working with individual’s post-surgery helps them cope emotionally and adjust to major life changes. Overall, this field lets me make a meaningful impact on people’s mental and emotional well-being.

How Do you approach therapy or counselling with clients facing anxiety or depression or trauma?

When working with clients facing anxiety, depression, or trauma, I approach therapy with empathy and patience. I start by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. I focus on understanding their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and together we identify coping strategies and goals that are realistic and meaningful for them.

In your opinion, what are the most promising mental health challenges facing women and men?

In my opinion, some of the most pressing mental health challenges today revolve around stress, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of balancing personal and professional life. For women in particular, societal expectations, gender bias, and body image pressures can take a significant toll. Women are often expected to excel at work, manage family responsibilities, maintain social roles, and meet certain standards of weight and beauty appearances. Society frequently makes remarks or judgments about women’s bodies and looks, which lowers their self-esteem. Men also face challenges, like societal pressure to suppress emotions, which can lead to untreated stress or depression. Addressing these challenges requires awareness, supportive environments, and access to mental health resources

What role do you think society can play in reducing stigma around therapy and counselling?

Society plays a crucial role in reducing the stigma around therapy and counselling. By openly talking about mental health, sharing personal experiences, and normalizing seeking support, we can challenge the idea that needing help is a sign of weakness. Media, workplaces, schools, and communities all have a part to play in creating safe, supportive environments where people feel comfortable accessing mental health care. Education and awareness campaigns can also help people understand that therapy isn’t just for crises

Psychology can be emotionally demanding. How do you maintain your own mental health and balance work like pressures?

Psychology can definitely be emotionally demanding and it’s not a field that is suited for everyone. Maintaining my own mental health is a priority. I make a deliberate effort to detach from work at the end of the day, which allows me to process my own emotions and recharge. I also practice regular self-care, such as meditation, listening to music, and spending time with my family. Seeking supervision and peer support helps me gain perspective on challenging cases, ensuring I don’t carry that emotional weight alone

Would you say has been your most rewarding experience as a Psychologist?

Looking back, the most rewarding part of my work in psychology is hearing a client say, ‘I feel so much better after speaking to you.’ In those moments, I’m reminded that simply being present, listening without judgment, and offering support can truly make a difference in someone’s life. Knowing that I’ve helped someone feel lighter, more understood, or more hopeful is incredibly fulfilling and just reinforces why I chose this profession.

Where privacy and social perceptions matter greatly. How do you help individuals feel safe and comfortable seeking psychological support?

In a close-knit society where privacy and social perceptions are deeply valued, some women face pressures from traditional family expectations, including arranged marriages and strict cultural norms. To help them feel safe seeking psychological support, I focus on creating a space built on trust and understanding. For many, it’s the first time they can truly voice their thoughts and emotions, and helping them express themselves is incredibly empowering. By being sensitive to their cultural and societal context, I guide them towards confidence, emotional relief, and the belief that their feelings matter.

Ultimately, I hope this helps people understand the importance of mental wellbeing and seeking support when needed. I believe that at some stage, everyone can benefit from counselling. It’s not just for when you face a problem, seeking support can help you understand yourself better, manage challenges, and grow stronger. Life is always changing and nothing stays the same forever. By taking steps to care for our minds, we can move forward with clarity, courage, and a sense of inner balance, trusting that even difficult moments will pass.

By Zanita Careem ✍️