Dolcy D’Cruz
There is a particular pattern in our behaviour, which has been
influenced by an event which took place years ago. If the situation that formed
this behaviour was positive, a person’s outlook itself could be changed,
empowering the person altogether. About 15 years ago, the term psychotherapy
must have sounded unusual but over the years, people have come to realise how
this form of therapy can be empowering for them to get over their negativity.
“People are becoming aware of psychotherapy and counselling, and they
can see a difference as they need someone to empower them and be a facilitator
to their next step. The session is more of a conversation, which aims to find a
solution and the therapist should create an environment of trust, non-judgement
and acceptance,” says Aysha Sharma, who has been practising in Goa, in Margao
and now Panjim. Her ability to connect easily with people and provide them with
the environment to rediscover themselves, make her sessions fun, inspiring and
introspecting.
“I get clients who start off their session by saying “I just watched
‘Bahuballi last night.” It is a different experience with each client, as every
moment is unknown, but I have to constantly listen to what they have to say,
because somewhere is that one clue to all the problems, the simplest issue and
I cannot lose track of it,” says Aysha.
Aysha has been practising for nearly 15 years in Goa. A post graduate in
Psychotherapy and Counselling, she is a behavioural therapist and mind coach,
integral eye movement practitioner, integrated energy therapist, hand writing
analyst, provocative change practitioner, soft skill trainer and master trainer
in entrepreneur development. She was a visiting faculty member with National
Institute of Construction Management and Sri Sri Institute of Management
Studies Goa in teaching Managerial Skills. Currently, she is a consultant at
Traya Wellness Centre, Dona Paula.
Her youngest client has been a four year old, and she feels that it is
important to understand their behavioural patterns early on. “I use play
therapy with children and Crystal Therapy works wonders with kids, as it is
soothing and works well with their energy. Most of the time it is the parents
who have to be worked upon, not the child; but it is easier to work with the
child as they work well with drawing sand colours, and their problems usually
have the root at home. Teachers notice a change in behavioural patterns, as
sometimes a child who is very jovial or hyper suddenly becomes quiet. Parents
generally tend to ignore these changes, but I must applaud the parents who take
the initiative to understand their children. I have amazing conversations with
children as they are honest and naïve, and not conditioned to put on a mask for
society,” says Aysha. She also adds that a teacher can use simple sentences
that can both empower as well as destroy a child.
While listening to so many life stories can be influential on the mind,
Aysha is skilled at being only a therapist who works passionately. “When I’m
sitting in my chair at a session, I feel like I am an instrument or a channel
chosen by the Divine. There is so much to learn, and it also helps me grow as a
person. The primary foundation of my relationship with my client is of trust
and confidentiality; and I know everything about them, their life and their
experiences…but it is only in that room. Once we are on common ground, I do not
acknowledge them. Goa is a small state and the society is not open enough to
accept that a person may need a therapist before they are driven to the edge,”
explains Aysha, who spends 45 minutes to an hour with each client.
