Tejal Misra, LCSW, is a compassionate psychotherapist at Be Well Therapy Collective. With a background in Emotion Focused Therapy and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Tejal helps individuals and couples navigate through emotional challenges and tough situations. With over a decade of experience and licenses in several states, she offers a safe and tailored approach to therapy, ensuring each client receives the support they need to thrive. MysticMag has the opportunity to chat with Tejal. MysticMag finds out more.
Tejal, can you tell us about your approach to psychotherapy and how you tailor your methods to meet the individual needs of your clients?
My approach is psychodynamic and psychoanalytic, rooted in my education at New York University. Their emphasis on psychoanalytic psychotherapy, focusing on caregivers, attachment styles, and childhood experiences shaping adult behavior, resonated with me. I find it fascinating how someone’s upbringing influences their behavior as an adult. While some clients may not be comfortable delving into these aspects, I believe it’s integral to understanding oneself, which is why I tailor my approach this way.
What inspired you to specialize in areas such as maternal mental health, couples therapy, and teletherapy?
After becoming a mom, I noticed a significant gap in maternal mental health support. Attending a training by the Postpartum Stress Center near Philadelphia, just before the pandemic, was a pivotal experience. It became clear to me that many women fall through the gaps in mental health care after giving birth. While there may be a survey or a few questions from a pediatrician, the support often dwindles after the initial excitement of the baby’s arrival. Many new moms are overwhelmed and unsure how to ask for or even recognize the help they need. This gap inspired me to learn more about maternal mental health and has fueled my passion for the field ever since. I’ve observed that many women never receive treatment, leading to long-term issues that become ingrained in their identity, such as persistent anxiety even when their children are older.
How do you stay current with the latest developments and research in the field of psychotherapy to ensure that your practice remains effective and up-to-date?
I stay current with my field by reading a lot, including Psychology Today articles and textbooks. I make sure to explore new additions and developments in areas that interest me. I also watch TED Talks by therapists, as I find audiovisual mediums help me comprehend concepts better. Listening to MasterClass sessions, particularly those by experts like Esther Perel, who is known for her expertise in couples therapy, is another way I stay informed. Additionally, I regularly engage with other couples therapists and maternal mental health professionals to discuss cases, learn from each other, and ensure I stay within my scope of practice. If I encounter a client whose needs fall outside my expertise, I acknowledge the gap and refer them to a more suitable professional.
In addition to individual therapy, you also offer consulting and supervision services. How do these services complement your work as a psychotherapist?
Supervision and consulting are integral parts of my practice. Supervision allows me to stay current, learn from others, and mentor young therapists, especially those from backgrounds that are minorities in the mental health field. It’s rewarding to see more diversity in the field, and I enjoy being a mentor in this space. Consulting, on the other hand, is more about staying abreast of developments in health and technology. I’ve consulted on projects aimed at making mental health more accessible through technology, such as developing apps or electronic mental health records. These aspects of my work complement my practice by allowing me to contribute to the broader field of mental health and technology.
How do you see the field of psychotherapy evolving in the future, and what role do you envision for yourself in this evolving landscape?
It seems to me that mental health will become increasingly omnipresent and its stigma will diminish over time. There will be more awareness and openness about mental health issues, with people feeling comfortable discussing their struggles, such as depression or postpartum experiences, as casually as they would talk about going for a walk. This normalization of mental health conversations will likely lead to more widespread acceptance and understanding.
If you would like to find out more about Be Well Therapy Collective, please visit https://bewelltherapy.me/
