Dr. Satyajit Ash is a renowned psychiatrist in Kolkata. Over his 34-year-long career, he has worked with numerous individuals and their families. He has extensive experience in dealing with addiction and dependency issues. Dr. Ash received training in addiction treatment at the Betty Ford Center in California and served as the director of the addiction treatment project at the K.P. Goenka Center, run by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata. He has also been the secretary and president of the Mon Foundation and has overseen the ‘Child and Adolescent Mental Health Project’ for nearly 10 years.
About five years ago, he came into contact with narrative practice. This practice has made him rethink the importance of self-awareness in treatment methods, both as a doctor and a mental health worker. Familiarity with this practice has brought greater clarity to his life, both personally and professionally. It has helped him view his personal journey in a new light.
The stories of unnoticed moments in people’s lives, shared in his chamber, have added a new dimension to the doctor-patient journey. Much of our lives remain unnoticed, perhaps known but unexpressed. Hidden life stories contain people’s decision-making and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in the context of their current problems.
A core idea of narrative practice is that ‘people are the experts of their own lives.’ This concept, especially for a mental health worker, has added a new dimension to his work, moving beyond just being a problem solver and advisor. It has also opened up new possibilities for him.