Rojisha Shahi Thakuri is the founder and director of Healthy Minds, where she offers vital mental health support. She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is a psychologist at Paragon School. She used to work at Alka Hospital and Teaching Hospital.

Thakuri gained international acclaim after winning Miss Nepal Earth 2013 and representing Nepal at Miss Earth 2013 in the Philippines. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health, utilising her platform to raise awareness through various media outlets. Her Instagram reels on mental health topics have garnered much attention.

In an interview with the Post’s Aarati Ray, Thakuri shares her love for reading, how it has impacted her life and its role in fostering a better culture around mental health.

How does reading books play a role in your life as a psychologist?

As a psychologist, reading is like a helpful friend to me. It keeps me informed about the latest therapy techniques and recent advances in psychological research. Reading different kinds of books helps me understand people better, and bond effectively with my clients.

Reading doesn’t just help me in my profession, it also keeps me from feeling too tired and helps me maintain a good balance between work and leisure. I see it as a tool that enhances my comprehension of the different experiences people go through.

What genres do you usually read?

When I was a teenager, I enjoyed reading fiction books, but now I prefer non-fiction, especially philosophy and psychology. These books help me stay updated on new developments in psychology, which aligns with my interests as well as my profession.

Do you advocate reading books to your clients?

Absolutely! Incorporating book reading into therapy is something I regularly encourage. Books help my clients understand their circumstances as well as themselves better and give them ways to cope. There are many books on self-help, and mental health issues that can be helpful.

Cultivating a habit of reading is advantageous for developing patience, mindfulness, productivity, and a sense of accomplishment. So I suggest reading to everyone, not just people I meet in my counselling.

What types of books do you recommend to your clients?

Typically, I recommend easily accessible books to my clients, tailored to their specific interests. I take the time to understand their preferences and then suggest relevant reads. However, I always start with light and straightforward material.

When individuals are grappling with mental challenges, focusing and adopting new habits can be daunting. I suggest beginning with easy-to-digest content that aligns with their interests and existing habits.

What books would you suggest to someone interested in pursuing psychology as a profession?

For those interested in psychology as a career, I’d recommend books written by psychologists or mental health experts. One of my top picks is ‘The School of Life: An Emotional Education’ by Alain de Botton. If you're into psychology, checking out Alain de Botton's other works like ‘The Therapeutic Journey: Lessons from the School of Life’ and ‘Art as Therapy’ would also be helpful.

For those with a more casual interest in psychology and human emotions, books like ‘Outliers’ by Malcolm Gladwell, ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear, and ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel van der Kolk are great choices.

How can books help someone who is struggling with their mental health?

Books and stories can be friendly companions for those dealing with mental health challenges. They create a comforting connection through relatable characters and experiences. These books not only offer practical tips and mental health insights but also play a role in breaking down the stigma around the subject.

Reading helps people express emotions more effectively, find inspiration to face challenges, and enjoy moments of relaxation. Exploring different mental health stories encourages understanding, opens up conversations, and sparks important discussions about well-being.

So, I feel reading can be helpful for those who are struggling with mental health problems and also as a way to take care of our emotional and mental well-being.

In Nepali society, when a teenager spends their time alone reading books, some parents worry that it might make them introverted and detached from others. What's your take on this?

I believe the idea that reading books makes someone introverted or alienated stems from a lack of understanding about the benefits of reading. In our society, especially among older generations, reading is often associated solely with studying course books. There’s a need for awareness that there are books other than textbooks.

I read a lot of books when I was growing up—I’m quite extroverted. So, I don't think reading a lot of books necessarily leads to introversion or extroversion.

Nor do I think it results in alienation. When immersed in a book, you simply give yourself space and focus, which is perfectly healthy and necessary. Consider how even when watching movies, we isolate ourselves temporarily without alienating ourselves permanently, right? The same principle applies to books.

You made a remarkable impression on stage during your pageant days. How much has reading contributed to your journey as a pageant contestant?

Reading has played a big role in every aspect of my life, including my journey in pageantry. It has helped shape my personality, improved my communication skills, and kept me updated on current affairs and important information.

I learned a lot about handling interviews, overcoming obstacles, dealing with criticism, and staying focused on goals through books. So, the confidence and wins that I had on stage are undoubtedly influenced by my foundation as an avid book reader.

But it’s not just pageantry; I believe reading is fundamental for any career or profession. It can benefit entrepreneurs, artists, and people from all walks of life.

It’s remarkable how books have consistently provided support throughout my life—from my pageant days to my current profession as a psychologist.

What do you think about the current status of Nepali literature?

I believe there’s a limited reading culture, particularly when it comes to Nepali literature. Only a small number of people are deeply interested in it which has undoubtedly affected the representation, diversity and status of Nepali literature as this limited engagement reflects the preferences of a small segment of readers and writers.

To address this, I think we need to first encourage the development of a stronger reading culture. People need to explore books more and develop a habit of reading. Only then can we start questioning what we might be missing out on. The problem is that don’t even read enough to realise what we are missing out on.

I personally think that with a stronger reading culture in place, we can expect to see a corresponding increase in writing culture. More people will be inspired to write, and there will be more opportunities for feedback, diverse voices and representation in literature.

Rojisha Shahi Thakuri’s book recommendations

Outliers

Author: Malcolm Gladwell

Publication: Little, Brown and Company

Year: 2008

Gladwell explores what makes high achievers different in ‘Outliers’. He argues that we often focus too much on who they are rather than where they come from—their culture, family, generation, and unique upbringing experiences.

Quiet

Author: Susan Cain

Publication: Crown Publishing Group

Year: 2012

‘Quiet’ covers the differences between introverts and extroverts, highlighting the good and bad sides inherent in both personality types. The book also questions the assumption that being outgoing is always best, a notion that has prevailed in the West for centuries.

The Body Keeps the Score

Author: Bessel van der Kolk

Publication: Penguin Publishing Group

Year: 2014

This book reveals how deeply trauma affects both the brain and body, leading to overwhelming anxiety, numbness and rage. What sets this book apart is Kolk’s background as a researcher as well as a therapist. It also offers effective treatment methods.

The School of Life

Author: Alain de Botton

Publication: Penguin Books Limited

Year: 2019

‘The School of Life’ explores the impact of emotional intelligence on our lives, highlighting its significance as a crucial skill in the modern era. The author offers practical insights on improving our interactions with others.

Palpasa Cafe

Author: Narayan Wagle

Publication: Nepalaya

Year: 2005

This is the story of an artist named Drishya during the height of the Nepali civil war. I first read this book when I was very young and I might not have understood it fully then, but it sparked my interest in Nepali literature.