1. What inspired you to write Just Like Therapy, and how did your background in psychology shape the content?
Avanti Desai: The intention behind writing this book was to create a resource for people who wouldn’t or couldn’t see a therapist. There are many reasons why someone would not seek professional help such as cost, lack of access, or fear of stigma. Everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have access to tools and information that can help them improve their mental health. I also noticed a gap in contemporary literature and media for content that realistically portrays the therapeutic process and its potential for positive change. My background in psychology allowed me to translate complex psychological concepts into clear, concise, and actionable steps that readers can easily implement in their daily lives. My training ensures that the information presented is accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with established psychological principles. This builds credibility and trust with readers, assuring them that the advice offered is sound and reliable.
2. Your book is described as a “personal therapist in a book.” What challenges did you face while simplifying complex psychological concepts for readers?
Avanti Desai: Interestingly, I didn’t encounter significant challenges in simplifying these concepts. In fact, it felt quite natural. I enjoy the challenge of taking a complex idea and distilling it down to its essence. It’s a creative process that I find very fulfilling. My approach has always been to emphasize the practical nature of psychology. It’s not just abstract theory; it’s about understanding human behavior in everyday life. Because of this, using real-world examples and relatable scenarios to illustrate core ideas is almost second nature to me. While the simplification came naturally, I still tested my explanations on target readers to ensure they were clear, concise, and easy to understand. This feedback was invaluable in refining my approach. Instead of just explaining what a concept is, I focused on explaining why it’s important and how it impacts our lives. This makes the information more relevant and engaging.
3. The workbook is highly interactive. What motivated you to use this approach instead of a traditional self-help narrative?
Avanti Desai: I believe that true learning and change often require active engagement. Everyone’s journey is unique. A traditional narrative might offer general advice, but it doesn’t necessarily address individual needs and experiences. The interactive format of the workbook allows for personalization. My goal was to create something that felt as close as possible to a real therapeutic experience within the confines of a book. The interactive exercises mimic the kind of work you might do with a therapist, prompting self-reflection, challenging negative thought patterns, and developing coping mechanisms. By seeing tangible results, readers develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy, which can serve as a powerful motivator for continued growth and well-being. This practical change is crucial for achieving real transformation.
4. What do you think sets Just Like Therapy apart from other self-help books on emotional well-being?
Avanti Desai: Just Like Therapy provides a highly interactive experience and encourages active engagement. It translates theory into practical skills and is firmly grounded in established psychological theories and research. It’s not just about feeling better, it’s about understanding why. Many self-help books focus on quick fixes or symptom management. Just Like Therapy delves deeper, helping readers understand the root causes of their emotional challenges. By addressing the underlying issues, the book facilitates more lasting and meaningful change. It’s designed to be more than just a book—it’s a practical tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and lasting emotional well-being.
5. Which exercise or strategy from the book do you personally find the most transformative, and why?
Avanti Desai: There is an exercise that uses a “building” analogy to explore emotional triggers, where the trigger is the visible “top floor.” Through systematic questioning, you “descend” through the building, uncovering deeper layers of meaning and connecting the trigger to a core wound in the “foundation” – a deep-seated belief about yourself. By bringing this unconscious connection to light, you can begin to heal the core wound and reduce the impact of future triggers. What makes it so transformative is its systematic approach to getting to the root of emotional reactions. Often, we react to triggers without fully understanding why they affect us so strongly. The intensity of the emotion feels disproportionate to the situation. This exercise helps us bridge that gap. It also fosters self-compassion. By understanding the origins of our wounds, we can develop more empathy for ourselves and our reactions.
6. Mental health is often stigmatized in many societies. How does your book address this stigma and encourage readers to prioritize their well-being?
Avanti Desai: The title, Just Like Therapy, is a deliberate choice to normalize the idea of seeking help and engaging in self-exploration for mental and emotional well-being. By using the phrase “just like,” it suggests that engaging with the book’s exercises is akin to having a therapeutic experience, making the concept of therapy less intimidating and more approachable. It implies that working on your mental health is a normal and valuable practice, “just like” any other form of self-care. The content of the book normalizes common emotional struggles and challenges. By addressing issues like anxiety, self-doubt, and relationship difficulties in a relatable and empathetic way, it reassures readers that they are not alone in their experiences. This fosters a sense of connection and reduces feelings of isolation and shame.
7. Who do you envision as the ideal reader for Just Like Therapy, and what key takeaway do you hope they gain?
Avanti Desai: To me, the ideal reader is someone who is ready to take ownership of their emotional well-being and is willing to invest the time and effort to make positive changes. I envision them as someone who is genuinely seeking self-improvement and is willing to actively engage in the process. The key takeaway I hope readers gain is a deeper understanding of themselves and the tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience. I absolutely love the idea of readers applying the principles and then sharing their experiences and the changes they’ve noticed. The feedback would be invaluable and incredibly rewarding, affirming the book’s purpose and impact. It’s the ultimate validation to know the book has made a positive difference in someone’s life.
8. Can you share a personal experience or story that inspired a specific chapter or exercise in the book?
Avanti Desai: While the book isn’t based on personal anecdotes, the exercises are inspired by years of observing patterns in clinical settings. While many self-help books draw heavily on personal stories, Just Like Therapy takes a different approach by focusing on established scientific principles. My personal experience, in this case, is a deep and long-standing fascination with psychology and a commitment to translating its complexities into practical tools for self-improvement.
9. Your book has received the Sahitya Sparsh Award for Personal Development Workbook. What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it influenced your work?
Avanti Desai: It’s a tremendous honor and a deeply validating experience. It’s incredibly encouraging to know that people see value in what I’ve created. It reinforces my belief in the power of psychology to empower individuals and motivates me to continue creating resources that promote well-being. The award brings greater visibility to Just Like Therapy, helping it reach a wider audience of individuals seeking support and guidance on their personal growth journey. This is incredibly fulfilling, as my ultimate goal is to empower as many people as possible with these tools.
10. What advice would you give aspiring authors who want to write self-help books that make a real impact?
Avanti Desai: Pursuing passion with diligence is essential. Let your work speak for itself. By combining passion with a focus on evidence-based content, practical application, and reader accessibility, you can create a self-help book that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Your work is your footprint – make sure it’s one you’re proud of!
