Sara Naveed talks to Tina Balachandran, a clinical psychologist on her diverse experience from enhancing couples’ dynamics to advocating for mental health in demanding contexts, including disaster response through her Flourishing Minds Clinic.
QH: What inspired the creation of Flourishing Minds Clinic and how has it evolved to support mental health in the community?
Tina: Since 2009, I’ve worked in Qatar, primarily with Qatar Airways. I often received requests for private psychotherapy sessions, but my license limited me to in-house clients. Raising mental health awareness, I noticed systemic gaps – limited resources, cultural diversity challenges, and varying standards which led to the founding of Flourishing Minds Clinic in 2022. While secure in my airline role, I did pro bono community work to destigmatise mental health. Transitioning to private practice before the pandemic was challenging. An encounter led to Flourishing Minds Clinic, a specialised facility after a year of licensing.
QH: Can you share a powerful example of transformation through your trauma therapy approach?
Tina: Each client holds a transformative narrative, often rooted in past trauma or ongoing distressing experiences. Through evidence-based techniques and a nurturing space, we mend these fragments, allowing them to reclaim their sense of control, heal, and progress daily. In trauma therapy, clients rediscover themselves, rebuild relationships, and move forward.
QH: How does the Flourishing Minds Festival contribute to reducing mental health stigma?
Tina: The Flourishing Minds Festival fights mental health stigma through awareness, support, and community engagement. It aligns with the clinic’s mission to nurture well-being and understanding. The festival celebrated triumphs, creative expression, and connections. Workshops, discussions, and sports events engaged 150+ participants, promoting resilience and advocacy.
QH: What insights have you gained about professionals’ well-being in high-stress environments?
Tina: High-stress work environments pose risks to professionals’ mental and physical health. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and burnout is common. Resilience and a strong support system are crucial for coping. A balanced work-life, along with access to psychological services, is vital. Leadership, stress reduction protocols, and psychologically safe workplaces are essential in safeguarding well-being. A holistic approach is needed to address the unique challenges faced by professionals in high-stress roles.
QH: Tell us about your achievements in promoting mental health in the corporate world.
Tina: I’ve collaborated with diverse industries. Through Flourishing Minds Clinic, we offer training for employees and managers to recognise distress signs and provide stress management workshops. We consult with organisations to identify and address psychological hazards and offer confidential interventions through Employee Assistance Programmes. Advocating for workplace mental health is a priority for us, as we strive for psychologically healthy and safe workplaces in Qatar.
