This Is How Amanpreet Learned to Set Boundaries and Reclaim Her Emotional Well-being Through Therapy

Amanpreet, a 38-year-old professional, is a strong and self-reliant individual balancing both her personal and professional life with grace. Having spent over 15 years in the corporate world, she currently leads service delivery operations, showcasing both resilience and leadership.

A loving mother to a five-year-old daughter and someone who deeply values relationships, Amanpreet shares a close bond with her family, especially her sister. Her childhood was largely happy and carefree, filled with friendships, responsibilities, and small moments that shaped her independence early on. 

Married into a completely different culture after meeting a caring and understanding partner nearly 15 years ago, long before they formally committed, she had always assumed things would continue smoothly despite the cultural differences, perhaps influenced by her carefree nature. However, the decision was far from easy, as she faced unexpected and unimaginable challenges including navigating a difficult phase of emotional and psychological strain within the relationship. Although she was fortunate to have the support of both families and was able to sustain a stable career even after having a child, the journey required resilience and adjustment. 

“I was suppressing my thoughts and emotions. It all started building up inside me, leading to stress and impatience.”

Life, as Amanpreet had once known it, felt predictable and easy. But a series of unforeseen personal challenges, including her father’s demise and shifting family dynamics, disrupted that sense of stability. She found herself struggling with bottled-up emotions, difficulty expressing herself, and growing frustration. The inability to communicate openly began affecting her mental well-being, leading to stress and occasional anger issues.

“I wasn’t able to manage my reactions well. Things felt like they were going beyond my control.”

This internal conflict, coupled with the pressure of managing multiple roles, made her realize that she needed support.

“I knew therapy existed, but I had never tried it for myself. This time, I thought, why not give it a chance?”

Amanpreet discovered YourDOST through her organization’s wellness program. While she was somewhat aware of mental health support due to personal exposure, she had never actively sought therapy before. Driven by curiosity and the need to regain control, she decided to take the first step. Her journey began with her first counselor, who introduced her to structured and practical approaches to managing her emotions.

“I used to note down everything after sessions. The suggestions were simple but very effective.”

Even after transitioning to a second therapist, Amanpreet found value in the different perspectives and structured guidance she received. Healing, for Amanpreet, was not about instant transformation but gradual awareness.

Through therapy, she was introduced to techniques like:

• Setting personal boundaries
• Practicing self-care despite a busy schedule
• Managing reactions during conflicts
• Taking pauses before responding
  

“One of the key learnings was to step away during arguments and come back when I’m calmer.”

She also incorporated lifestyle changes, such as joining a gym and dedicating time to herself, helping her reset mentally and physically. While she admits she couldn’t follow every technique consistently, even partial implementation made a meaningful difference.Even if I didn’t practice everything, those conversations stayed with me.

“I’ve stopped overthinking things beyond my control. I focus more on what truly matters now.”

Over time, Amanpreet noticed a significant shift in her mindset. She became more accepting of situations she couldn’t control and more intentional about where she invested her energy.

She found herself:

• Managing multiple responsibilities more effectively
• Reducing overthinking
• Becoming more self-aware
• Setting clearer emotional boundaries

“I now prioritize myself without feeling guilty. That has made a big difference.”

Her journey also evolved from coping with distress to focusing on self-improvement, including becoming a more mindful parent.

She rates her progress a 4 out of 5, acknowledging both her growth and the ongoing nature of healing.

“I’m truly grateful to my therapists for helping me navigate a difficult phase and guiding me towards a better version of myself.”