Dr. Somjee: Psychologist, Executive Coach, Consultant

07/10/2025

🎉 20 Years in Business!

This month marks two decades since I took a deep breath and launched my business. It has gone by so fast....

http://bit.ly/4nZ8yXl

05/14/2025

Months ago, a colleague made some biased comments. I tried to engage and asked if perhaps they had made some assumptions. They became defensive and said they held no bias, reminded me they are a DEI expert (which doesn't make anyone exempt from holding bias), that they were very busy, and then decided we were no longer going to talk about the matter any further.

We have all been there - we all hold bias and it can leak into our thinking, actions or speech. While uncomfortable, it is an opportunity to reflect, vs shutting down conversation.

So what can we do when someone calls us out? This article has some great tips.

Defensiveness seems to be the most common response to getting called out – and allies aren’t saying these phrases nearly enough.

05/14/2025

Find out the real impact of stress, resilience and burnout on organizations and individuals - and what to do. More timely than ever.

Check out this collection at the from SCP Society of Consulting Psychology - Division 13 of APA

Consulting Psychology Journal special collection on organizational stress and coping strategies to enhance employee well-being.

04/30/2025

I have an unfurnished office for rent (FT or PT) in the Town of Poughkeepsie within walking distance of Vassar College (12 Davis Ave, Poughkeepsie NY 12603).

Ideal for therapist or small business owner (if a therapist rents, we are happy to provide referrals as we often have to turn people away).

Below is a pic of the office (the unfurnished office that is 14 x 12 with two windows) and our waiting room - as well as my office just to give you an idea of what can be done with the space!
The office is within a suite of three offices in a handicapped accessible 2 story building, with parking lot. I have rented my office since 2006 (and love the space!), a colleague rents the other office and of course the other office for rent. There are two bathrooms in the suite, a waiting room and a room that houses our mail, copy machine, supplies etc.

The building is well kept up, quiet, with an abundance of natural light, and there are numerous restaurants and coffee shops within steps (in Arlington/Town of POK). Rent includes everything.
If you are interested, please call: 845.380.2945

04/04/2025

Another Friday is here, and it’s a perfect time to take a deep breath and slow down. Many of us are feeling exhausted, anxious, or even hopeless—and that’s completely understandable in times of uncertainty. Even in these moments, never forget your voice has impact - even if not immediately visible.

Advocacy is about change and healing. It allows us to channel our feelings into meaningful action. It strengthens our communities, and helps shape a brighter future for the young people we care about.

This week, choose one cause meaningful to you, and take action—whether through your words, time, or resources. And if you hold an identity or position of privilege, consider using it to uplift those whose voices may not be heard as easily.

Small actions create a ripple effect. You have the power to make a difference. Keep going.

04/02/2025

In today’s fast moving and unpredictable landscape, many leaders find themselves drowning amidst the chaos. To navigate these challenges, breaking free of your bubble is key to keeping up and thriving. A simple yet powerful 3-step approach can help leaders break free from stagnant thinking, gain fresh perspectives, and lead with increased confidence in uncertain times.
https://bit.ly/3FQfXGK

03/04/2025

Good morning! Office for Rent!

I've been renting my office since 2006 in a suite with two other offices. One of my suitemates is now retiring and I am looking for someone to rent his office (Full time or part time, furniture not included).

This could be a therapist, or someone else with a small business such as financial services, executive coach etc).
Address: Vassar Professional Building, 12 Davis Ave, Poughkeepsie NY 12603

The office is well kept up, has an abundance of natural light, and within walking distance of Vassar College with numerous restaurants and coffee shops (in Arlington/Town of POK). There is a parking lot and is housed in a two story building with a lift for those with disabilities.

The office itself also has an abundance of natural light and is spacious (14x12) with two windows facing different directions. There are two bathrooms in the suite, a waiting room, two other offices occupied by myself and my suite mate, as well as a separate office for mail, copy machine, supplies and so forth.

** Pics of the office for rent are below (brown furniture) and I have also included my office so you can see what can be done with the space (gray furniture).

Questions? Please contact me via email or call: 845.380.2945

02/05/2025

Are you feeling exhausted by everything happening? Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure how best to take care of yourself professionally or personally?

Our next virtual Professionals of Color Meeting may a place to be in community. This meeting will be a little less structured. Grab a drink and join us to check in and see how everyone is doing, and explore ways to forge forward and engage in self-maintenance professionally and personally.

If you are a Professional of Color (Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African-American, Hispanic, Latinex or Native American) interested in this topic, please join us. This meeting is for any Professional of Color in the U.S. (any industry). After all, this journey has always been about the long road. Join us!

When: Wednesday February 12th, 2025 @ 5:15pm EST (this meeting is free)
Where: Zoom
Who: Members of the Professionals of Color Network - and any professional of color outside the group.
** RSVP at pocnhv@gmail.com for the zoom link

01/20/2025

It is not just about how we observe today, posting quotes, taking the day off, celebrating his work, or having unpaid speakers come in to talk about diversity. It is about the quiet, everyday work of building equity and inclusion, by noticing inequites, speaking out, and working towards a solution. This is now needed more than ever. What one thing can you do towards this end this month? Feel free to share!
It could be sponsoring an employee, analyzing rates of promotion or salaries, supporting the voice of someone who is usually not heard, learning about DEI through voices different than yours etc.
#

01/04/2025

People have approached me, tearful or in shock, and asked how I have remained fairly calm post election, especially given some of the work I do is Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI) focused.
I have also been asked by the same people: What can I do?

I don't know the answer for them but read on to see my 5 point plan, thus far, for 2025.
http://bit.ly/4a0XJxb

11/11/2024

Gentle reminder for all professionals of color:

10/04/2024