Page 59 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

If you know your worth, you won’t need external validation or

seek it in the wrong places. As long as you’re following your purpose

and doing what makes you happy, that’s what truly matters.

that mental well-being is as crucial as physical health.” The importance of resilience is a key message Sasha
Founder,
She believes that addressing mental health problems shares, especially with young women. “I tell them to
Sasha Talia Counselling
can have an impact on other social issues, such as figure out who they are,” she says. “If you know your
crime and safety. “If you solve a mental health issue,” worth, you won’t need external validation or seek it
asha Talia Pather, the founder of Sasha Talia she insists, “you’re not just helping one person; you’re
Counselling, runs a private mental health practice contributing to the well-being of an entire community.” in the wrong places. As long as you’re following your
Sbased in Durban. Her services are provided through purpose and doing what makes you happy, that’s what
truly matters.”
online platforms as well as in-person consultations, “People are sometimes hesitant to discuss mental health
making mental health support accessible to a wide range because it’s still considered a foreign concept or taboo in Sasha’s dream is to expand her impact even further. “I
of clients. “It’s not just about counselling,” she explains, many areas. My aim is to normalise these conversations. want to open a mental health centre in Durban,” she
“it’s about meeting people where they are and providing We need to make it OK to talk about mental health, to reveals, “focusing on wellness, addiction recovery, abuse
the help they need.” seek help, and to believe that things can get better.” support, and women’s empowerment.” The envisioned

With a background rich in both education and volunteer Sasha has gained recognition through various media centre would be staffed by a team of counsellors
work, Sasha’s experience extends beyond the typical platforms such as SABC’s Lotus FM, and her work has dedicated to addressing the various needs of the
counselling environment. She holds degrees in psychology, been featured in major publications. “People noticed community. “We want to be known for changing lives,”
social work, and theology, which have shaped her holistic my work because the need for mental health services is she states, “for being a place where people can come,
approach to mental health. “My involvement in ministry so great,” she states. “Being invited onto platforms like regardless of their problems, and find hope.”
has definitely influenced my practice,” she acknowledges, radio and TV wasn’t something I pursued; it happened Nature and Well-Being
“because I believe that healing should address the mind, because people saw the impact of what we were doing.”
body, and spirit.” Despite these achievements, Sasha remains focused on Outside of her counselling work, Sasha finds solace in
the mission rather than the accolades. “The recognition nature. “I love the outdoors,” she says. “Being in natural
Sasha’s exposure to community work began at the age is nice,” she concedes, “but what really matters are the
of nineteen. She was involved with local organisations changes we’re able to make in people’s lives.” settings is calming and therapeutic for me.” She also enjoys
and government bodies, working at the grassroots spending time with loved ones, whether it’s relaxing at
home or enjoying a day at the mall. “It’s important to find
level to provide services in communities facing mental Overcoming Adversity
health challenges. “I grew up in these communities,” activities that relax and ground you,” she adds. “For me,
she explains, “so I know first-hand the struggles that Sasha’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. “I’ve it’s all about balance and ensuring that I’m taking care of
people face and the impact that mental health issues faced rejection, financial struggles, and doors shutting myself while taking care of others.”
can have.” in my face,” she admits. “As a woman, I’ve also dealt with Sasha acknowledges the ongoing nature of her mission.
violations and discrimination.” However, she attributes
From an early age, Sasha took initiative by founding her resilience to the strength of the women who raised “Mental health is not something you solve overnight,” she
asserts. “It’s an ongoing process of creating awareness,
a community-based organisation to deliver essential her. “I was brought up by my grandmother and two
services. “I started by going into communities to feed, aunts,” she shares, “and all I saw was women making breaking down barriers, and supporting people through
clothe, and provide mental health support to those who things happen, even without a male figure around. They their healing. The biggest achievements aren’t the
couldn’t afford it,” she says. Her efforts quickly expanded showed me that you could stand on your own, have a awards or recognitions,” she concludes. “They’re the
as she connected with others who shared her vision for voice, and achieve what you set your mind to.” moments when someone tells you, ‘You helped me save
community empowerment. “It just made sense to me to my life.’ Those are priceless.”
make this my career,” she adds, “so I took that step and Sasha believes in the power of self-definition. “You don’t In her view, the work of normalising mental health must
officially launched my private practice.” have to let your circumstances decide who you are,” she
says. “If you’re called a victim, you don’t have to accept continue. “We can all play a part,” she says, “whether it’s
One of the primary goals for Sasha is to shift how people that label. You can choose how you define yourself.” through professional practice or simply by being open
perceive mental health. “Mental health is often seen This mindset has guided her through the adversity to discussing mental health.” Sasha’s commitment is
as a luxury especially in different cultural contexts or she’s encountered. “Whenever there was no door, I just clear: “It starts with all of us, recognising the importance
among people who have not been exposed to the idea created one,” she adds. “If there was no table, I built one.” of mental well-being and making it a priority.

Sasha PATHER | 57