Therapist Spotlight: Nita Batta
In your pursuit of becoming a therapist, did you have a role model, or a person who inspired you along the way?
My grandfather was a very spiritual person and always gave off the most calm and positive energy that I gravitated to growing up. Although he lived in India and I saw him once a year, his impact was lasting. This term, W.A.I.T. which is defined as Why Am I Talking, was a practice my grandfather used in his everyday non verbal communication. His conversation was always intentional and served purpose. He was deeply rooted in seeing the best in everyone and his view really helped me utilize the strengths perspective I incorporate with clients.
What is your favorite part about being a therapist?
I love the fact that being a therapist is always a work in progress. Through interaction with our clients, we learn so much about ourselves and I constantly feel challenged in my own core beliefs and automatic thoughts in a really beneficial way! Utilizing a CBT modality, I really love when clients come to realizations on their own. The moments of clarity that individuals feel in becoming unstuck with thoughts or patterns of behavior is really something I cherish!
What's a typical session like with you?
I really take time to develop a rapport with each client so people feel secure in a safe space at the start of the therapeutic relationship. I always like to take the lead with what a client brings into a session. Typically, through a collaborative approach, we work together to identify goals and prioritize them to ensure we are meeting the most pressing needs. This also helps us have a mini agenda from session to session as we can revisit the goals and progress or setbacks from week to week.
What do you imagine it's like for your clients?
I imagine creating the action steps in session to work on identified goals and actually putting those steps in place from week to week can be difficult. I always want my clients to feel ownership of the action steps and a sense of pride that comes from achieving them. Oftentimes if I come across a really good quote, I will send it to my clients as a way of cheerleading them on to realize they are working on fulfilling their goals.
What makes you unique as a therapist?
Understanding clients from a cultural lens. The core values and beliefs ascertained from childhood really reinforce and continue to influence our current thoughts. I can help individuals reexamine how those previously held values change over time and appreciate the growth mindset from the change.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
Sensitive. I like clients to feel secure in a safe space. If I sense an individual can benefit from a more direct approach right off the bat, I am happy to offer that, however, I like to give clients a chance to, “warm up.”
What's most important to you in your work as a therapist?
My overarching goal is to ensure that clients are living their most authentic life and are genuine to themselves.
Everyone needs self-care. How do you practice self-care?
I am very into self care! Although my practices are not super exciting! I am vigilant about hydration and sleep. I have never been a morning person, ever. Being on the west coast and aligning with clients back east, I have made a more conscious effort to really ensure I am well rested before an early rise. Regular work breaks are really big for me too. I make sure I have frequent walks throughout the day to mentally refresh.
Do you have any passion projects or interests?
Since becoming vegan in late 2019, I am forever trying to find creative ways to cook nourishing meals. There is a lot you can do with cashews and chickpeas!
What are some of your favorite movies/books?
I gravitate towards fiction and will always remember The Changeling by Viktor LaValle. It is a horror based novel from 2017 and totally not up my alley but I could not put it down! It is dark and creepy but also has elements of a modern day fairy tale. The author spends a great deal of time on character development which is a huge plus for me connecting to a book. A more recent book that I equally loved is Well Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave. The story is told through three generations of women who question their existing core beliefs and values while simultaneously pursuing their current dream.
What have you learned over your career as a therapist? How has it changed your outlook, your sense of the Big Picture?
Oftentimes I discuss setting boundaries with clients as it may relate to personal or professional relationships. One positive takeaway I have learned is that boundaries around ourselves are actually a way to keep us “in” rather than a way to keep others out. Healthy and loving, yet clear and firm boundaries go a long way in our authenticity!
To read more about Nita, click here for her full bio!