How Damini Grover Discovered Her True Self and Began Empowering Others

In a recent episode of The AboutHer Show, we hosted Damini Grover, a well-regarded counselling psychologist, life coach, and author. Damini’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery, grounded in her experiences navigating societal pressures, challenging life events, and the transformative impact of mentors. Her insights into mental health, self-worth, and the importance of empowerment are truly inspiring.

Early Life: A Journey Through Academic Pressures and Self-Acceptance

Raised in an academic household where achievement was paramount, Damini felt like the “black sheep.” Although she excelled in creative pursuits, her family prioritised academics above all else.

Reflecting on her childhood, Damini shared, “I didn’t have an aptitude for traditional studies like science and math, which led to a constant sense of not measuring up.”

Despite these pressures, her love for extracurricular activities like writing, singing, and dancing remained strong. However, these passions were overshadowed by a focus on academics. Struggling to fit in, Damini grappled with issues like bullying, weight struggles, and introversion, which shaped her approach as a psychologist. These experiences allowed her to empathise with clients facing similar pressures and challenges.

Defying Gender Expectations in Psychology

Though Damini didn’t feel directly hindered by gender expectations, she acknowledged that being a woman in psychology—often seen as a “nurturing” profession—came with its own set of assumptions. Society often perceives women in psychology as naturally empathetic, but Damini notes that this can limit perceptions of their expertise.

“I don’t believe being a woman has held me back in my career. If anything, clients sometimes feel more comfortable with a female therapist. But societal expectations can limit how people view women professionals overall,” she says.

Her advocacy extends to redefining what women “should” be in society, challenging notions that women are meant to prioritise family roles over personal aspirations.

Damini emphasises, “A woman’s worth is not limited to family responsibilities. She deserves to pursue her passions and shape her path.”

The Role of Financial Independence in Empowerment

One of Damini’s core messages is the necessity of financial independence for women, which she views as a source of genuine empowerment. Financial independence allows women to make decisions freely without relying on others for financial support.

“Financial independence is empowering. It’s essential for women to feel that they can stand on their own. When women are financially independent, they aren’t bound by others’ expectations and have the freedom to create their own lives.”

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Growth

Mentorship has been a guiding force for Damini. She credits her therapists and mentors with helping her realise her potential and understand the impact she could have on others.

“Meeting my therapist was transformative,” she explains. “It wasn’t just therapy; it was a mentorship that helped me see how I could use my experiences to help others.”

Also Read: Real-Life Stories of Career Transitions: Women Who Reinvented Themselves – Part 1

Her mentors also modelled the importance of setting boundaries and valuing authenticity, lessons Damini now carries into her practice. She encourages everyone to find mentors who inspire them and provide guidance in their journey.

Addressing Mental Health Stigma

Despite advances in mental health awareness, Damini sees that stigma still exists, particularly among older generations who often see struggles as part of life. While younger individuals are generally more proactive in seeking help, Damini finds that many women, especially those over 40, often downplay their struggles, viewing mental health issues as something to “tough out.”

“We still have miles to go in breaking mental health stigma,” Damini shares. “The mindset that struggling means something is wrong with you is limiting. Vulnerability and struggle are part of being human, and therapy can provide a path to understanding oneself better.”

The Importance of Conversations on Women’s Mental Health

Damini believes that platforms like The AboutHer Show are crucial for encouraging women to discuss their mental health openly. These conversations create a ripple effect, reaching women who may need a supportive nudge toward self-care and empowerment.

“Each conversation is a step toward changing the narrative around women’s mental health,” she states. “If even one listener hears something that helps them change their perspective or take a step forward, then we’ve made an impact.”

Encouraging Self-Reflection and Embracing Change

Damini has observed a growing trend of individuals in their 40s and 50s making significant career shifts, often exploring new passions in fields they had not previously considered. From a psychological perspective, she sees this as a natural evolution and encourages people to honour these shifts as a part of their growth journey.

“Awakening to what truly aligns with you can happen at any stage in life. Our experiences build layers of understanding, and sometimes, a new chapter feels like the right fit. The real challenge is in recognising this and taking action, rather than ignoring what feels authentic.”

Looking Ahead: Damini’s Vision for the Future

Looking to the future, Damini envisions herself continuing to help others, driven by her passion for meaningfully contributing to people’s lives. Though uncertain about the specifics, her mission remains clear: to promote self-love, intentional living, and personal growth.

“My work will always centre on helping others, but I’m open to what that looks like as I evolve. The beauty of growth is in embracing the unknown and trusting that the right path will unfold.”

Takeaways for Young Women

Damini advises young women to believe in their inherent worth, stay financially independent, and seek mentors who resonate with them. She urges them to resist societal milestones and instead focus on personal growth and self-belief.

Also Read: Nidhi Razdan – Life is Short. Do What Makes You Happy

“The world is full of possibilities. Don’t limit yourself based on others’ expectations. Know your worth, embrace your journey, and don’t be afraid to define success on your terms.”

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Authenticity and Resilience

Damini Grover’s story is a reminder that self-discovery is a journey of resilience, requiring us to confront our struggles and embrace authenticity. Her work as a psychologist and her insights on The AboutHer Show offer a powerful message for women everywhere: Know your worth, seek independence, and don’t let societal expectations define your path.

To hear more about Damini’s journey and her thoughts on mental health, self-worth, and the power of resilience, tune into the full episode of The AboutHer Show on your favourite podcast platform.

• Spotify: Listen here
• Apple Podcasts: Listen here
• Audible: Listen here

This conversation with Damini is one of many on The AboutHer Show that aims to inspire, uplift, and empower women through the stories of trailblazers redefining success and resilience.