Avni Panchal’s mission is to help people overcome the feeling of being an “imposter,” in both their personal and professional lives. Avni wants to support people in breaking free from the limitations that prevent them from reaching their true potential.

Avni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in mental health as a social worker, therapist, trainer and coach. As an Empowerment Coach, Avni specializes in assisting South Asians, and other individuals, who find themselves navigating multiple cultures.

Together we discuss the external and internal pressures faced by youth in South Asian culture when choosing a professional path, particularly in engineering and medicine. We explore the stigmas surrounding mental health in various cultures, including South Asian culture, and emphasize the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health and normalizing conversations about it. Avni mentioned the importance of following one's interests and doing something well, rather than conforming to societal expectations. We also discuss the challenges of self-doubt and limiting beliefs faced by moms, and the importance of recognizing and validating these feelings.

Today’s episode includes a discussion of the following topics:

• Navigating cultural expectations in career choices.

• Immigrant pressure, identity, and career choices.

• Career choices, self-doubt, and trusting intuition.

• Mental health stigmas in different cultures, with a focus on de-stigmatization and normalization.

• Combating self-doubt and limiting beliefs for moms.

• Self-doubt and self-care for moms, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing oneself for the sake of resilience

• Motherhood, self-love, and unlearning for moms.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Avni Panchal’s Website: https://www.theindiancounselor.com/

Avni’s private practice for therapy: https://strengthandselflove.com/

Avni’s article for Medium titled, “Three Ways for BIPOC Individuals to Combat Self Doubt and Recognize Their Worth” https://medium.com/therapists-in-tech/three-ways-for-bipoc-individuals-to-combat-self-doubt-and-recognize-their-worth-b89bb04d815a

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.