Finding Her Path: How Kiran Kaur Discovered Her True Calling in Psychology

Have you ever felt like you’ve hit a brick wall early in life, unsure of how to move forward or break through? Doubting every decision and eventually resigning to the familiar mantra, ‘Let’s go with the flow’? If so, you’re not alone.

In the grand scheme of life, education is not just a thread but the foundation that holds everything together. Unravelling its mysteries is challenging, but it reveals the depth and breadth of our potential.

For Kiran Kaur, this journey of discovery began at 16 when she started questioning her lifelong ambition of becoming a doctor. Despite her passion for helping others, the theoretical side of human biology didn't captivate her as she had hoped. Sensing her uncertainty, her parents took her for a career test, which revealed psychology and counselling as the top choice followed closely by pharmacy. Coincidentally, a clinical psychologist visited her high school shortly after, which gave Kiran an unexpected confidence that this could be her path. Although she was drawn to psychology, her parents’ concerns about its emerging status led her to choose pharmacy instead, influenced by her interest in chemistry.

Today, Kiran is a clinical psychologist that is based in Malaysia.

As she entered university, the challenge of decision-making only intensified. Kiran grappled with her choices, making the wrong decisions not once but twice. As her interest in chemistry waned during her Foundation in Science at IMU, she decided to pursue chiropractic, a field introduced by her cheerleading teammates and drawn by its uniqueness. But just a week into the course, she was hit by a wave of depression and anxiety, realising the mistake she had made.

“In a heartfelt conversation with my parents, we revisited the idea of studying psychology and spoke to the administrative office to switch courses, and the rest is history,” she says.

It led her to a fulfilling and successful career path in psychology, proving that finding your true calling often requires navigating through uncertainty and exploring various avenues. “In hindsight, it feels like psychology chose me, and our connection has been a perfect match ever since.”

Bachelor of Science in Psychology at IMU 

“Whenever people ask about my time at university, I always say that those three years at IMU were the best three years of my life, even up until today.”

With just 20 students in her psychology class and a dedicated team of eight lecturers, the personalised attention she received was invaluable. Her lecturers went above and beyond, offering extra support outside the classroom, and each student had a mentor for personal and academic guidance.

There was no love lost between the students and lecturers, as Kiran recalls her favourite educators at IMU for various reasons. She particularly values Ms Puvessha Jegathisan for her deep passion for trauma work and empathetic guidance. Ms Puvessha’s support and encouragement were pivotal during Kiran’s studies, and their reconnection during her master’s programme was a meaningful full-circle moment as they collaborated on a thesis about childhood trauma. “There were many times when I felt not good enough, stressed out, and unmotivated, but Ms. Puvessha would always remind me of my ‘why’—the reason I chose this field.”.

Kiran graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with First Class Honours from IMU University.

Mr. Alexius Cheang was another standout figure, known for his warmth and enthusiasm, he played a key role in connecting Kiran with valuable contacts. Dr. Shamala Ramasamy, the advisor of the IMU Psychology Club, was equally prominent, offering a nurturing presence and imparting essential lessons on professionalism and respect that have greatly influenced Kiran’s career.

Beyond the impactful educators, Kiran describes the campus as modest and hospital-like in atmosphere, yet always vibrant. The cafeteria’s food choices were complemented by occasional food trucks, and the nearby Sri Petaling area offered additional dining options. The curriculum at IMU was comprehensive, covering a broad spectrum of psychology topics, from industrial to clinical and community psychology. “When I started my master's programme at HELP University, my classmates were surprised at how much of a foundation I already had theoretically about some of the topics in clinical psychology,” she says.

In her final year at IMU, Kiran completed her internship at  MPS Psychological Services under the mentorship of clinical psychologist Evelyn Soong. The internship was a turning point for Kiran, confirming her choice to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology. It offered hands-on experience in therapy and assessment tools and deepened her ability to reflect and introspect — a skill that she found crucial in her Master’s programme

Outside academics, Kiran was deeply engaged in extracurricular activities, serving as a flyer and later the captain of the Draco cheerleading team. Her time with the team was filled with cherished moments, including late-night practices and even later-night mamak sessions, rich with heartfelt conversations. Moreover, as the president of the IMU Psychology Club, she had the chance to lead initiatives and raise awareness about important but often taboo topics like a stage play on domestic violence and a PTSD art exhibition.

All these experiences gained from IMU were instrumental in helping Kiran mould key skills and qualities. Involvement in the psychology club sharpened her leadership and organisational skills, teaching her the value of meticulous planning and effective communication, exemplified by her successful organisation of a mental health awareness week. Additionally, the supportive learning environment at IMU enhanced her critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, allowing her to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Extracurricular activities like cheerleading further developed her teamwork, resilience and time management skills. Balancing academics with cheerleading honed her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, a skill that proved invaluable in her master's programme, where managing classes, client work, research and exams required exceptional perseverance and time management. These experiences collectively laid a solid foundation for her future endeavours.

Kiran was awarded the Tun Zahir Merit Award in May 2021 while at IMU for being the top student on the Dean's list.

Master’s in Clinical Psychology at HELP University

Studying for the Master of Clinical Psychology at HELP University was a highly enriching experience for Kiran. With a small class size of just 15 students, she benefited from personalised attention and a collaborative learning environment. One of the most engaging aspects was the interactive approach to learning, where students actively participated in creating course materials, making classes more dynamic and enjoyable. The real highlight, however, was the faculty. Their passion and expertise shone through in their teaching as they skillfully blended theoretical knowledge with real-world examples from their own clinical practice, making the learning process both inspiring and practical.

She used her master’s experiences to refine and develop skills such as introspection and reflection, which shaped her career trajectory. Initially daunting, this practice involved confronting difficult truths about herself as both an individual and a therapist. However, it has proven crucial in managing complex therapeutic relationships. “For example, when a client’s story triggers my own emotions, introspection helps me stay present and maintain professional boundaries.” This self-awareness allows her to stay present and maintain professional boundaries.

Another key skill Kiran cultivated is the balance between self-confidence and humility. She recalls advice from her second external practicum supervisor, Ms. Sarah Zehan, which left a lasting impression. Struggling with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Kiran was overwhelmed by the need to master the approach. Ms. Sarah told her, “You don’t know everything, but you know something, use that.”

This advice helped Kiran combat self-doubt and trust her training and instincts while remaining open to ongoing learning and seeking supervision when necessary.

Kiran's approach in the therapy room is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, which she tailors to meet the unique needs of each client.

Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Psychologists

Pursuing clinical psychology is a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey. Kiran advises aspiring students to immerse themselves in what genuinely excites them, as passion will be the anchor during the inevitable tough times. The programme tested her in every way — workload, time management and emotional resilience. Yet, these hardships were essential for her growth as a therapist and person. “So whether it's a specific area of psychology or a type of research, let your curiosity guide you.”

Additionally, Kiran highlights the value of active class participation, joining clubs and engaging in workshops. “As I was constantly involved in so many different areas, not just academics, it made my tertiary education more colourful.”.

She also underscores the importance of building strong connections with lecturers and peers. “Find a few people that you can rely on in the programme because this group of people will be your biggest support as they’re the only ones who can truly understand the difficulties you will face.”

Embracing the Role of a Clinical Psychologist

Kiran is now fully immersed in her role as a clinical psychologist stationed at a BPO company through a private practice. Her work is dynamic, involving individual and group therapy sessions, as well as conducting mental health workshops and training. What sets her role apart is the shift-based schedule, including night shifts — a challenge she initially feared but now embraces. Despite her unconventional hours, she finds joy and fulfilment in her work, excited to make a difference no matter the time of day. In addition to her full-time role, she also freelances as an associate clinical psychologist, providing therapy to a diverse range of clients in private practice.