S. Preethi Shanmugapriya, Dr(OT), Msc (psy): OT in Tele-Mental Health in India

In this post, In this episode, we will learn from S. Preethi Shanmugapriya, Dr(OT) , Msc (psy).  Preethi is an occupational therapist based in Tamilnadu, India specializing in adult acute care mental health services (functioning in hybrid mode). As the Founder and Chief Therapist at Inclusive Wellbeing - Holistic Mental Health Clinic, she is dedicated to promoting comprehensive mental well-being. Drawing from her own journey as a survivor of C-PTSD, her primary focus as a holistic mental health and lifestyle coach is to support women navigating emotional trauma. She is also co-partner of Project "Milir," a support group for women from oppressed communities facing caste-based trauma. Additionally, she provides 1:1 student mentorship sessions for OT students aiming to build their capacity as tele-mental health service providers.

Q & A with Preethi:

Please tell us a little about yourself and some of your favorite occupations.

I am Preethi , Occupational Therapist specializing in Acute Mental Health Care . I am from Tamilnadu , South India. I founded the Holistic Mental Health clinic - Inclusive Wellbeing and we are working as a team of Mental health professional which includes Psychologists and Occupational Therapist in our Online Space to promote Mental Health services Accessible globally. My Expertise and passion lies in providing a Holistic Mental Health support for women struggling with Emotional Trauma through my Long-term therapeutic coaching Service as I myself a C-PTSD survivor and Neurodivergent.

What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?

I believe in sharing the voice of possibility and hope .

Please describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve and the needs that you address.

-OT in Acute Mental Health care (Online & Offline) - My signature Service is Long-term therapeutic coaching ( Holistic Mental Health support for women for 6/12 weeks ) - To expand scope for OT in Mental Health via Online Entrepreneuring. - Advocacy for Caste based Trauma, Integrated Mental Health and online support groups.

What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?

1.My Passion in Mental Health & Helping Women Heal . 2.My lived Experience

How did you get there? Can you describe your path?

I always embrace the diversity of Occupational Therapy field. But the Scope of practice in India as like any other developing countries is mostly limited to pediatric practice . While I was doing my Internship, I realized my skills are naturally attuned to provide mental health care for adults than with Kids/ Physical Rehabilitation. As I begun seeking jobs there is no opportunity to work in a mental health setup , so I joined in a multiple disability rehabilitation NGO . That was the period of time I realized it's difficult for me to fit into the regular job pattern due to my Neurodivergent functionality. Slowly I paced my professional certifications and programs related to mental health practice . During COVID lockdown, I gone through a period of clinical depression and undertook Mental Health support. Yet it took nearly a year after recovery for me to understand the root cause is childhood trauma and specifically C-PTSD. Parallel to my recovery journey, i had a 1 year of working opportunity in a dyslexic school which is wonderful experience, yet again confirmed my difficulties to cope with a regular job pattern. That's the point i shifted my focus to start provide mental health service through online and it slowly developed into a budding Organization. Now ,I could see myself as Neurodivergent OTpreneur in Mental Health field.

Please describe a typical day or OT session in your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?

My Typical day : 1.Clinical Role - Providing Online 1:1 session to my client. 2. Managing Role - Team Members, Planning programs etc 3. Marketing Role : Social media presence 4. Project Collaboration : writing OT in Mental Health article in Tamil OT Skills : 1. Occupation - Centered Psychotherapy. 2.Sensorymotor psychotherapy 3.Psychospiritual Frame of Reference etc

Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?

Recent Highs : 1.Opportunity to educate on role of OT in mental in a Tamil language Psychiatric Journal. 2. Shared a Mental Health awareness related educative content in Tamil News channel. 3.Received Trademark Registration for my organization Logo . 4 . Overwhelming positive response from OT Student circle who are interested in mental health. Challenges : Outreach, Funds for marketing, enquires aren't converting as clients for my Team Members of Inclusive Wellbeing

How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?

Firstly and Most importantly: To learn from my life experiences as a CPTSD Survivor and cultivate self awareness through yogic or embodied ways of practices. Secondly : To learn from Fellow Entrepreneurs, upskill myself in this entrepreneuring journey through courses, Mentorship etc

Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting?  How do OT or the services you provide get funded?

Currently My Organizations funding is solely depends on My Services I provide to people. It works as a package based payment but I am trying to turn into a subscription based , regular flow of income . Mental health services to Indian people have the possibility to earn a decent amount for my personal needs but I am trying to expand providing services internationally to fetch profit and for the organization’s growth requirements.

Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?

Trust in your Natural skills, abilities and connect it to OT. Understand your strength and weakness to integrate your passion into rewarding career

What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?

Misconception : Psychologist. Though I earned my additional master degree in psychology, my primary identity is always Occupational Therapist. Occupational therapist only works with children is the common myth.

How do we find you, follow you, be in touch with you and promote your unique work?

Instagram: @healwithpreethi @inclusivewellbeing_mhc

LinkedIn: S Preethi Shanmugapriya,Dr (OT)

Email : support@inclusivewellbeing.in or inclusivewellbeingot@gmail.com

My LinkedIn post on : Occupation centered psychotherapy

As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot

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