An Interview with Author & Psycho-Therapist Dr. Aman Bhonsle

 

This distinguished psychotherapist requires no introduction. Born into a family deeply rooted in psychology, his father holds an M.D while his mother is a seasoned counselling psychologist & REBT trainer, both esteemed professionals at the renowned, 'Heart To Heart Counselling Centre'

Aman Bhonsle has garnered acclaim not only as a psychotherapist but also as an award-winning senior writer-producer-director and creative strategist and consultant for Southeast Asia's leading TV networks, including Disney-UTV, Star TV Networks, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, Sony Pictures Television, and Viacom.

Currently, he serves not only as a relationship counsellor but also as a sought-after trainer, facilitating workshops on a variety of topics such as effective leadership, emotional intelligence, team building, employee motivation, workplace efficiency, managing change, navigating corporate dynamics, diversity training, and mindset transformations aimed at enhancing motivation and productivity within teams.

Let's delve deeper into the work and expertise of this acclaimed psychotherapist

 

1)     Relationship Counseling is all about understanding each individual and how they function. How important do you think relationship counselling has grown over the years?

 

Ans 1. "Relationship counselling – as a field – has grown exponentially in recent times with dating apps such as Hinge, Bumble, Tinder now being on the scene. These platforms have led to an abundance of options, and the search for a partner has become not unlike seeking out a new brand of shampoo for dry hair! We have the tech but not the will to engage in difficult discussions. This “high-speed” selectivity has led to an upsurge in heartbreaks and communication gaps. These couples are seeking out guidance and support. Many relationships are no longer reaching their traditional points of culmination – in marriage. So many 'love stories' get abandoned halfway as people now lack the patience to listen and achieve clarity on what they want. Being together is being approached with less of a collaborative spirit and more from a point of view of calling out bad product! With celebrities opening up about heartbreaks on talk shows and social media, the conversation around 'dating' is more normalized than it was in the past decade, and thus relationship counselling has a more central role to play in today’s world than it ever has before!"

2)     What was the reason behind starting coaching and training solutions for your clients?

 

Ans 2. "In my twenties, I faced challenging times grappling with relationships, work, friendships, and the weight of expectations. It felt like navigating through a maze with a blindfold on. Although I had the guidance of parental wisdom, sorting through the plethora of information was daunting, and my youthful rebellion slowed my progress. Recognizing that my parents embodied different generational values, despite their good intentions, I realized I needed to seek clarity and peace on my own. I delved into resources, reigniting my passion for reading and relishing the process of discovery. This journey inspired me to establish my own coaching and training solutions, catering to individuals who share my inquisitiveness and would value the guidance I can offer."

 

3)     In order of your preference, which is the model of psychology counselling that you prefer: Transactional Analysis (TA), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Rogerian Counselling Methods (Robert Carkhuff Model), Psychodrama and Gestalt Therapy.

Ans 3. "It's challenging for me to favour one model of psychology counselling over another. Each modality has its unique strengths, much like each of your children possesses their own special qualities. Every approach holds value, and therapists often have their preferred modality, but ultimately, what truly matters is its effectiveness in facilitating significant progress for the client in addressing their challenges."

4)     As an eminent psychologist, what do you feel are the most challenging areas that you face?

Ans 4. "Resistance, naivety, and self-doubt can hinder the potential and advancement of personal growth. As a psychotherapist, it is essential to employ empathy and patience in guiding clients through these three barriers to progress."

5)     What made you switch over from working with multinational television broadcast houses to social psychology and transactional analysis? 

Ans 5. "Exposure to the subject through my parents sparked my passion for it. Over time, it captivated my curiosity and eventually commanded my full attention. Having felt rejected and misunderstood for years, I yearned to comprehend human suffering. Following a decade in the television industry, I felt compelled to pursue a different professional path. Given my love for teaching, I decided to begin there."

6)     What is it about social psychology that fascinates you the most?

Ans 6. "I've always been intrigued by human behaviour in group settings. During my primary school years, I encountered teachers with volatile tempers who would often lash out physically and verbally at us, leaving us as helpless 9-year-olds with no escape. However, I noticed a stark contrast in their demeanour when the school principal entered the room—they would instantly adopt a saccharine tone when interacting with our parents. This stark discrepancy between their treatment of us and their behaviour around others left me feeling both deceived and fascinated. How could they change so drastically depending on the social context? Unraveling this mystery became my life's passion. And here's a little secret—it's not magic; the answers lie in some fundamental psychological concepts."

7)     When did you join Heart to Heart Counselling along with your mother and father?

Ans 7. "It's been nearly ten years since I became part of the team at the Heart To Heart Counselling Centre, and the experience has been truly enriching!"

8)     After having published 4 books, do you have any plans to publish more books?

Ans 8. "If a day lasted 89 hours instead of 24, I believe I could potentially gather material for at least 10 additional books!"

9)     What is the most important field of psychology that you feel is at the moment?

Ans 9. "Child Development is currently gaining momentum, although I view all fields with equal importance."

10)   Can you say a few words about emotional communication? 

Ans 10. "Emotional Communication involves dedicating time to comprehend someone's limitations and pain with empathy and patience, fostering more efficient and collaborative problem-solving. While an idealistic world may not exist, it is crucial to cultivate a manner of speaking that is both respectful and easy to understand, ensuring that communication serves its purpose of educating and empowering."