Today we’d like to introduce you to Jagdeep Chadha.
Jagdeep, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from Connecticut, and Syracuse, NY, I grew up in an Indian immigrant household during the 80’s and 90’s. Early on I had the stereotypical pressures of getting into a career in medicine, or engineering. However, during my undergraduate years I took a keen interest in psychology and ancient philosophy. Inside the classroom I studied psychology, but outside the classroom I took an interest in learning and practicing ancient systems of yoga, zen, daoism in particular. I was very interested in meditation and what enlightenment meant from the eastern and western perspectives. These 2 passions really lead me towards pursuing my masters in counseling psychology, with the intention of practicing counseling and psychotherapy. Initially after completing my masters degree from Columbia University, I started working in higher education counseling, doing mental health/career counseling and academic advising. I spent about 17 years working in Higher education at schools like Syracuse University and University of Houston. I spent several years serving as Director then Executive Director of Student Affairs, overseeing career counseling, academic advising, recruitment, scholarship applicants. At that point I felt that I had reached the top of my career ladder and wanted to exit High Education. I started looking into getting back to my roots and getting back into practicing psychotherapy/mental health counseling. I completed my LPC (licensed professional counselor) licensing process during the last few years of my career in higher education. I’ve now been in private practice for the past 5 years. It’s been a unique career path, I really appreciate the years of experience working in Higher education, helping students succeed and find their career purpose. Going into private practice, I’ve been able to help individuals gain better mental health and wellness, find more meaning and purpose in life, ultimately helping them on their journey towards fulfillment and contentment. It’s been wonderful in terms of practicing psychotherapy integrating ancient traditions of yoga, zen, and daoism into my practice. I work with a large number of South Asian clientele, (individuals from with Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan backgrounds). It’s been great to be an advocate for mental health within the South Asian community, especially since is still a great deal of apprehension around mental health treatment within the South Asian community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had a lot of help along the way. My wife, parents, siblings and friends have all pushed me and been supportive in my endeavors. They believed in me, my abilities and my purpose when I had moments and periods of doubt. Especially during my transition out of Higer Education leadership and into private practice and working for myself. That was a difficult time, my family and friends were very supportive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Being Counseling?
I run a Private Practice called “Being Counseling”. It is a practice that provides psychotherapy services to adult individuals struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, addiction, relationship issues, PTSD, etc. I specialize in treating the mentioned mental health disorders primarily for adults. What sets me apart is my philosophy: to integrate evidence-based modern psychotherapy with ancient traditions of mindfulness, yoga, tao and zen. I think this differentiator really helps bring more South Asian clientele in because it helps reduce the negative perception of mental health treatment since we integrate ancient traditions the South Asian population connects with. My practice is dedicated to helping people improve mental health, wellbeing, find meaning/purpose and contentment. I provide a lot of psychoeducation material on my website, www.beingcounseling.com, especially in regards to integrating my west meets east approach.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
With more people living more isolated lifestyles, I see the need for my industry increasing over the next 5-10 years. I think opportunity and access to mental health care is increasing, which will make it easier for people who need treatment, to receive it. I also believe stigma’s around mental health care have reduced, making it more acceptable for people to seek mental health care without negative preconceived notions or negative feelings around it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beingcounseling.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-counseling
