It’s been a busy day for the engaging clinical pyschologist Dr Michele Lewin. Traffic in from Spanish Town has delayed her a bit but soon we’re ever so comfy, sipping flutes of perfectly chilled Dom Perignon at one of her favourite spots in the city, the Spanish Court Hotel, discussing — you guessed it — human behaviour. Roles are reversed today — Lewin is on the couch.

Did clinical psychology (CP) choose you or did you choose CP?

I think this was a mutual affair. I was always fascinated with human behaviour, was always curious as to why people behave the way they do. I love people and always focused on the good in others. Therefore, when I decided to master in an area (attend graduate school), I chose something that I knew would hold my attention throughout those years. I want to serve humanity using skills that I am blessed with and felt confident in honing, such as great listening skills, a willingness to teach and be vulnerable.

What keeps you in this profession?

The immeasurable love and joy that I get from doing my job. I get up every day expecting to make a difference in someone’s life. I am acutely aware that I may never meet the needs of everyone that comes through my door, but I hope that a seed would have been planted so that with time they can grow and evolve.

Where did you study?

Argosy University in Tampa, Florida.

How satisfied are you with your achievements?

I would not say satisfied, as it suggests completeness or contentment. What I would say is that I am very grateful. I see where I can continue to extend myself to others, to learn more and as I learn I teach others. There will always be a yearning to do more so that others can be blessed.

There’s a school of thought that the top 1% will find you, and those not so well-off are invariably sent to you. Where are the middle class though, and why are they avoiding you?

I really don’t think people are avoiding the service. There is a fraction of our society that is more exposed to the therapeutic values and is more willing to engage in the process. What I do think is that people are not fully open to the idea of therapy AS YET. It is not as bad as, say, even a few years ago but (1) there is still the stigma associated with mental illness and, hence, psychotherapy (2) culturally, most persons were raised to not share their personal issues with others (3) many people find it difficult to trust others, now you are asking them to share intimate details with a stranger — a therapist (4) Finances — if one does not see therapy as relevant or important to his/her well-being he/she will do other things with the disposable income that is available to them.

Given the opportunity, how would you engage our future leaders around a subject that’s still considered (by many) taboo?

Our health policies are seemingly geared more towards the disease model — focused on pathology. We need to also look at it from a wellness model — of maintaining mental health, achieving one’s potential and living a fulfilled life. Diminished mental health affects productivity: when people are hurting or suffering from a mental issue they cannot produce at their optimal. Therefore, it is imperative that we work together to set up workable systems and infrastructures to properly address not only the pathology, but to maintain mental wellness.

What should we know about mental illness?

Mental illness is any disease or condition that influences the way one thinks, feels and behaves. Therefore, it can happen to anyone, at any time, despite your age or status in life. The exact cause of mental illness is not known, but through research it is identified that there are various contributing factors such as psychological, genetic, biological and environmental. Mental illness is not a result of personal weakness or a character defect. Recovery is not based on denial or the ability to will it away. Untreated mental health is costly to the individual, family and the wider society.

What has been your worst experience to date and, conversely, your best?

Best — My family’s success and growth. Careerwise, seeing my clients grow and evolve.

Worst — Experiencing the passing of my parents.

Which five words would best describe you?

Spiritual, tolerant, conscientious, caring, creative.

LBD or jeans?

LBD.

Flats or stilettos?

Flats.

What’s your idea of the ideal man?

Someone who is caring, a great conversationalist with a sense of humour, diligent, hard-working and most importantly, spiritual.

And the perfect date?

Relaxing at home with my husband with a nice meal and a movie.

Share with us the title of the last book read.

The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

What’s currently playing on your iPod?

Music is dependent on my mood. My catalogue includes music from Hezekiah Walker, Carey Sayles, Protoje, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Luther Vandross, Lorde, Beyonce, Bach.

Empire/Scandal or How to Get Away With Murder?

How to Get Away With Murder – It keeps me thinking and engaged (actually, I am still pondering what happened last week).

What advice would you give to a young Michele Lewin?

Love with all that you have — do not be afraid to be vulnerable, and learn to forgive quickly so you can love again.

What’s on your financial wish list?

Wow! I don’t have one, but one thing I know is that I’ll continue to share with others from what I’ve been blessed with.

Finally, what’s your philosophy?

I borrow these from the phenomenal woman Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”

CLUTCH ESSENTIALS

• Samsung Galaxy S4 cellphone

• Louis Vuitton wallet

• Estée Lauder compact

• Range Rover Evoque car keys

• MIL cardholder