Bold Series: Meet Priya Tahim
We were lucky to catch up with Priya Tahim recently and have shared our conversation below.
Priya, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story, lessons, and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know has words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something i think I’m still trying to navigate and i think it’s a constant reminder that living out your dreams can be real. I often sit back and process how far I’ve come in my professional and personal life. I think about how lucky i am to be in the small percentage of people that actually love what i do. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real.
When i think about what imposter syndrome, i think about how I’m helping other’s find their voice or purpose-but at the same time I also think “how am I qualified for this”? I think “what gives me the right” to help others. That’s the question that I think about the most, “what gives me the right?” Sure, I went to graduate school, I put in the work gaining experience working overnight shifts and doing the “grunt” work-but does that give me the right to help challenge others on their own personal journey of growth?
How can I help others when my own life isn’t perfect. Then I remind myself that just because I may not be exactly where I want to be in my personal life, that doesn’t make me any less than. I remind myself that everyone’s timeline and journeys are different. I remind myself of the smiles on my client’s faces after they hit an epiphany, or the times when a client shares how proud they are of themselves. The wins that my client’s feel mean more to me than they probably know. Watching others unlock their true potential or fall in love with themselves are the moments that help me battle my own imposter syndrome. After all, falling in love with yourself is the greatest love story of all and I’m so lucky that I get to be a part of that journey for some.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Priya Kaur Tahim. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor in Washington, DC|Virginia|Texas and the founder of Kaur Counseling. Kaur Counseling has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to give a voice to those who felt like they never had one.
The name Kaur comes from my middle name, and Sikh tradition. Kaur is a surname given to Sikh women, that translates to “princess” or “crown prince”. The idea behind this surname was to create equality amongst men and women. I wanted to create a space that is EQUAL to all! We currently offer services in Washington, DC, Virginia and Texas.
Here at Kaur Counseling, we believe in fostering hope and creating a safe space for individuals/couples/families to process, as well as find healthy solutions. Our passion is helping others find confidence within themselves, and/or within relationships. We strive to create a healthy therapeutic relationship with each individual/couple/family, in order create a judgement free zone to process thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that meets your individualized needs and most importantly ensures that you gain insight into your recovery and progress.
When i’m not running Kaur Counseling, i’m focused on writing my children’s book series. I am a published Children’s book author of “The Adventures of Naya & Gumbo: Case of the Worries”. My goal behind this series to help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues by bringing stories into households from a young age.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Persistence, empathy and passion are qualities i think have most impacted my journey both professionally and personally. There were many moments over the past 12 year where i felt like giving up. I felt that my dream of opening my own therapy practice was far out of reach, or my passion for helping others wasn’t enough. I would dread working overnight shifts, or having to miss out on social events because i had to cover holiday shifts or weekend shifts. However, if i wasn’t persistent, or if i lacked passion and empathy- i wouldn’t be living out my dreams of owning my own practice and being a published author.
The one thing i am most thankful for are the times i worked in community mental health. The jobs that most people shy away from are the jobs i gained the most experience from. I always tell any new grads that working in community mental health was the thing that made me a better, more confident and successful clinician. My advice to anyone looking to open their own practice, or work in private practice is to actually work those “tough” jobs. Work those overnight shifts, work in shelters, work with dual diagnosis individuals-because all of that “hard” work helps build you up to be a confident clinician. Working with individuals who are struggling to get help, although it’s challenging (and at times frustrating) are the times that help you become creative with your therapeutic approach. The times that feel the most challenging are actually the times that help strengthen your skillset. Do the hard things. Challenge yourself and don’t give up if this is a field you are passionate about.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am overcoming my own trauma. I think working with individuals who are overcoming trauma has forced me to look inwards. I go to therapy, i put in the work outside of sessions with my therapist to help become a better human. The one challenge i’m currently facing is trying to unlearn things that were forced on me. Trying to unlearn the abusive cycle that was forced on me. Working to overcome trauma is hard, but my own personal story has helped me help others. There’s one thing about being a therapist that many probably don’t understand and that is knowing we don’t know everything. We are human, we experience break ups, abuse, trauma, good days, bad days-just like you do. Breaking the cycle of abuse is one of my most challenging journeys but also the most rewarding one. I am now my most authentic self and i truly have unlocked my favorite love story-the one where i fell in love with myself.
Contact Info:
Website: https://www.kaurcounseling.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaurcounseling
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/priyatahim
