Sukhvinder Kaur, a qualified integrative counsellor with a wealth of experience in both physical and mental health, has a deep passion for helping others overcome feelings of isolation. With over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, she honed her communication skills, which now play a key role in her work as a generalised counsellor for adults.
For the past six years, Sukhvinder has also volunteered as a befriender with the Imago Community charity in Kent, an experience that earned her an award from the same charity for her dedication and positive impact on her clients.
In this interview with iGlobal, Kaur talks about her journey, her experience as a working counsellor and her latest book titled ‘There is Light at the End of the Tunnel of Loneliness’. She also shares some key takeaways from the book for those who may be suffering from loneliness and looking to reach out for help.
Can you share a bit about your journey?
I have deep compassion for anyone facing short- or long-term isolation, but I believe everyone can learn to manage their emotions and avoid illness. I'm dedicated to sharing what has helped me so that others can lead happier lives. Despite a loving childhood, I faced significant challenges in adulthood that led to isolation, low self-esteem, and sorrow. With support, my life improved. Through my studies in counselling and coaching, and years of voluntary befriending, I gained valuable insights into loneliness. This inspired me to help those with poor physical, mental, or emotional health find support. With the right help, those affected by loneliness can become self-aware, resilient, and overcome their isolation.
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What motivated you to write the book?
After enduring long-term loneliness, I learned to reach out to others, which made me more brave and resilient. I wanted to create change in my life and within myself, believing it would open up new possibilities and greater joy. As I began sharing my journey, colleagues and others confided in me about their own struggles with loneliness. Realising I could help, I decided to write a short self-help book, offering simple, practical tips they could use anytime. Today, I manage any feelings of loneliness by applying these same strategies. Now, I live every day choosing to care for myself, my mental and physical health, and my emotional and psychological wellbeing.
How has the response been so far?
The response has been amazing. People are taking the positive benefits from my self-help book and are recommending the book to their families and friends and anyone who is feeling lonely. I am very grateful for all the support I am getting, and happy that I am able to help others with my book. I’m so grateful for all the reviews on Amazon UK and beyond.
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Can you share some top tips from the book with our readers to overcome loneliness?
I would say all the top tips and resources and support is all in my book. Keeping a journal is a very helpful to express your thoughts and feelings. When you read it back you can see just how far you have come in your understanding. You can have insights and you can also very importantly have inspiration too. It can also be a powerful tool for self-reflection and self-discovery. So, if you are feeling lonely try keeping a journal.
All the money raised from the book is going to mental health charities. My message to everyone is that I want this book to be a powerful beacon of hope reminding you all that even in the darkest of times there is always light.