Psychology, Entrepreneurship and the Corporate world: Interview with Psychotherapist Ruschelle Khanna

In recent years, the industry of self-improvement has snowballed into a multi-billion dollar industry. In fact, the total U.S. self-improvement market was worth $9.9 billion last year—growing just 4.3% since 2011, and expected to reach $13.2 billion by 2020. Clearly, the US has an appetite for self-improvement, and why not? Who doesn’t want to live their best life and be their best self?

Fortunately, there are many altruistic individuals out there who want to help others and make their lives more fulfilling. Ruschelle Khanna is a shining example of someone who has dedicated their career to bettering the lives of others in one way or another. The inspiring entrepreneur is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and has over 15 years experience as a psychotherapist in New York, Connecticut and West Virginia. She is a neurological Lyme disease expert and uses therapeutic healing modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy and tapping to support those experience Lyme and other chronic conditions.

We spoke with Ruschelle to get a better understand of why she chose this career path along with some insights into her work and general advice.

1. It has been well documented that Entrepreneurship in the corporate world comes with a high level of anxiety due to the pressures involved. Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs and those in the corporate world suffering from anxiety or depression?

Anxiety is fear. Start to ask yourself “What is it that I’m afraid of?” Are you afraid of being seen as an impostor or a fraud? Are you afraid to disappoint others? Maybe you are afraid you will end up just like your father… Whatever the answer to that question, find ways to begin supporting yourself and moving out of fear.

2. You have been working in this industry for many years in multiple locations such as New York. In the corporate world, what are the most common issues or concerns that you have witnessed among your clients?

A very common issue I see is people playing out past family dysfunction at work. I help individuals and organizations learn to break old patterns of relating and to form new, healthy boundaries that they may not have learned when they were growing up.

3. Following on from that, New York is notoriously a very busy and stressful city, the home of Wall Street. Have you noticed unique issues or concerns from your clients opposed to clients in other parts of the US?

Some common issues for clients unique to New York are feeling a deep sense of loneliness even if they outwardly have a large social circle and family.  Loneliness and feelings of isolation can literally kill us. They break down the immune system and leave us susceptible to illness. New Yorkers have a unique challenge in that they need to work harder to feel connected.  Excessive working hours don’t help this. The good news is, I’m seeing more and more companies moving toward a more flexible attitude toward “face time” at work.

We can thank millennials for their dissatisfaction with 14 hour days.  Eventually, companies have to listen. As this Washington Post article demonstrates.

4. For any young professionals about to enter the corporate world, what advice would you have to help best prepare them for the psychological stresses they might face?

Self-help guru Wayne Dyer used to say “when you are in the pool, there will be splashing”. Remember that when you are in corporate America, your expectations have to match where you are. Be prepared to address generational differences in the workplace. Remember you are coming into the workforce at a time where we are seeing a huge shift in what it means to be an employee. Remember that your ideas will help direct that shift. Make your health a priority. Learn to negotiate for the quality of life at your job. Despite differences that may come up at the job, lead with respect.

Find mentors that are thriving and learn from them.

5. I understand you have many years of experience as a psychotherapist. What is the most interesting case you have ever dealt with?

I love my job. My personal practice is to continually be as present as possible with everyone I meet. Because of this I have serendipitous, magical insights with every client I’m with. I am in awe of the variety of ways our mind can adapt, survive and create. Basically, I’m amazed every day. So it’s hard to pick a “most interesting case”.

6. Overall, with all your knowledge and experience, what advice would you have for our readers to help them navigate their busy lives and reduce stress?

I love hypnotherapy. My style sounds a bit like a lullaby. Here is one I just wrote…

Everything is a relationship and the most important one is with the self. Get clear on those and everything you do will go well.

To learn more about Ruschelle Khanna and her work, you can visit her website here.