5 minutes getting to know a bit more about Yumna Zubi, Psychologist at the Couch and WSMC.

WHY PSYCHOLOGY?

I have always had a curiosity of people and how they think and how they make sense of their lives. However one experience specifically of witnessing a family member go through trauma and getting help from a psychologist had really made me appreciate the profession. Seeing the difference that came about as a result sparked an interest in the profession and made me fall in love with psychology and helping people.

WHAT IS THE PERCEPTION OF PSYCHOLOGY AS A PROFESSION?

I think the perception of psychology at present in not fully understood.  Often people assume that  going to see a psychologist is a luxury or even unnecessary.  Mental illness is so prevalent and most of us have either experienced it for ourselves or know a person that has been through it.   Anyone can see a psychologist, you don’t have to have a diagnosis to see a psychologist.  Asking for help is not a weakness but takes great courage.

TELL THE PEOPLE OUT THERE, HOW PSYCHOLOGY CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN THE WORK PLACE AND SPORTS FIELD?

With our current statistics it is estimated that mental health costs South Africas economy biillions per year.  This often causes clinical distress in occupational functioning. For example, this could increase absenteeism within the workplace,, reduce productivity, decrease motivation and increase burnout.  Having psychology within the workplace or creating an Employee assistance program can assist in increasing awareness of the symptoms of burnout, learn how to better handle stress and more psychoeducation around mental illness. By having mental health care more accessible and creating more psychoeducation programs can assist in decreasing absenteeism and increasing productivity and performance in the workplace.

Within the sports field:

Athletes perform under highly pressurized environments and while a huge emphasis is placed on their physical health, (Eg.endurance and performance), very little if any is spent on preparing them mentally on how to cope  in such an environment.  Psychology can help athletes prepare themselves emotionally for the ups and downs that come with competing at such a high level.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST PSYCHOLOGY MOMENT AND WHY?

I have two, the first one was finding out that i got into the psychology masters program because this made my dream of becoming a psychologist no longer just a dream but a reality. The second was opening the couch because it made my vision of wanting to assist other people with the greatest quality care possible. What made that moment most memorable was having a team of professionals that shared the same vision.

WHAT ARE YOU GOALS IN PSYCHOLOGY?

To assist in advocating for mental health in our country and most importantly creating an awareness to assist in destigmatizing mental illness.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST LIFE LEARNING?

What I value and appreciate most does not cost any money.  Family, Nature, Love and Laughter.

WHO IS YUMNA ZUBI AWAY FROM PSYCHOLOGY? WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS?

When I am not working, i love being physically active, travelling and experiencing different cultures most importantly trying different foods.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

What motivates me the most is seeing people grow and change and making a difference in their lives and being part of their journey.

Learn more about Yumna and her team at www.thepsychologycouch.com