From Frenzy to Focus — Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay

Don’t waste time forcing passion. It’s fine to experiment — test things out, try on new “shoes.” But if your heart’s not in it, stop shoving your foot into a size that doesn’t fit.

“Hustle Culture” is an ethos often propounded by young self-proclaimed internet gurus that centers around the idea that working long hours and sacrificing self-care are required to succeed. This mentality may have gained popularity in the mid-2010s, but it has peaked, and now it has been sardonically renamed “Burnout Culture.” So why exactly is Hustle Culture the wrong path to take? What damage can it cause? What is a viable, sustainable alternative to hustle culture? How can we move from Frenzy To Focus? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, mental health leaders, marketing experts, business coaches, authors, and thought leaders who can share stories and insights about “How We Can Cancel Hustle Culture And Create A New Sustainable Work Paradigm.” As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay.

Sita-Marie K. Pillay, Psy. D. (she/they), is a licensed clinical psychologist and Trauma-Informed Care Program Developer at Hanna Institute, as well as a School Psychologist at Hanna Academy. Dr. Pillay specializes in a person-centered, multi-theoretical approach to therapy, utilizing storytelling and a variety of techniques — including art, music, and cognitive behavioral strategies — to empower clients in their healing journey.

With extensive experience in community mental health, residential treatment, outpatient care, and juvenile justice, she works with teens and adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Dr. Pillay offers individual and group therapy, with particular expertise in trauma, APPI communities, LGBTQIA+ issues, and cultural humility.