A mind is a powerful place. Human beings have known this for a long time, and that knowledge has inspired sayings such as “mind over matter.” So, it is surprising that despite being aware of our mind’s vital role in our life, we give it little to no protection. We take care of our body and go for check-ups, but when was the last time, if ever, that you saw a therapist?
Karyna Auletta is on a mission to change this. The twenty-seven-year-old therapist is passionate about improving the perception of mental health ad she is taking bold steps to achieve her goals.
Spreading the Word
Some people have never heard the word mental health. Others have, but only casually, so it has no real meaning to them. Others know and understand what it means, but they see it as something detached from them, something other people have to worry about and not themselves. Karyna hopes to reach all such people and spread the word about the importance of mental health. “ I plan on traveling and speaking to break the mental health stigma she tells me. “I’m also partnering with an amazing therapist and performance coach, Katie Cheadle, to host a table talk to break the stigma of mental health in various careers.”
Sharing her story
Karyna can speak so boldly about the importance of mental health because she can testify to its effectiveness.
For most of her childhood, Karyna suffered from an undiagnosed illness that left her in so much pain she couldn’t open a bottle of water. She had an aversion to physical touch and was prone to morbid thoughts of death. To make matters worse, people could not understand her pain, and that misunderstanding drove her into depression and self-harm.
Things were looking pretty bleak until she found a doctor who understood what she was going through and got her the help that she needed.
The intervention helped Karyna get her life back on track and inspired her to help others do the same. She pursued a career in mental health, and today, she is a certified therapist assisting others to live successful lives.
She hopes her story will encourage anyone who is still on the fence about getting treatment.
Learning and Teaching others
Karyna graduated with a Master’s in clinical psychology, and she has credentials in MAP, Seeking Safety, and Tripple P Parenting for Teens. She still learns from influential names in her field, like the Gottman couple.
She uses what she learns to teach others and enlighten them on the importance of mental health.
Leveraging the Media
One person Karyna looks up to in her field is Dr. Jenn Mann, one of the best-known psychotherapists in the country and the host of the hit show “Couples.” What Karyna admires about Dr. Jenn is the way she brings awareness of mental health through the media. She names Dr. Jenn as the inspiration behind her decision to drive her career into the media. “From a business standpoint, I am very inspired by Dr. Jenn Mann,” she tells me.
Karyna is not limiting herself to television. She knows the power of social media and is keen to exploit it. “People really trust the media, so if you can find a good GIF or video to share, it can add entertainment and validity to the issues you’re trying to bring insight to.”
Getting Help
Getting your audience to relate to you is very important. Karyna recognizes that people will better receive the message of mental health from people they can identify with. She is getting help in that regard.
She plans to feature different guests on her Table talk that can tackle mental health from their perspectives and address issues peculiar to their community.
Lead by Example
Managing her meant health is a high priority for Karyna. Her job as a therapist takes its toll, so she makes sure to monitor her thoughts, feelings, and behavior and nip any negative patterns in the bud.
She also makes time for relaxation and stress relief. “Playing music gets me out of my head, makes things fun, and keeps me going. Also, small outdoor breaks and lots of sunshine.”
Encouraging Kind language
Karyna suffered stigmatization for seeking mental health help and giving it, so she knows all too well the impact of disparaging words used to describe mental health issues. She makes a point to gently correct the use of such terms and explain how they are harmful.
Conclusion
There is still a long way to go in spreading mental health awareness, but Karyna is determined. She said, “I am naturally very entrepreneurial, determined, and a go-getter. When I say I’m going to do something, I make it happen.