Why do I need to come to a Psychotherapist / Counselor?
All people, due to different situations and circumstances, at some stage in their lives face depression, anxiety, deep disappointment and acute unhappiness. This may be due to problems related to relationships, professional setbacks, personal losses, a particular traumatic experience or simply a situation which has overwhelmed them. Under such conditions Psychotherapy is extremely helpful in relieving such feelings, overcoming the situation and assists you in dealing with these negative feelings by empowering you to develop coping mechanisms.
Does that mean that I am mentally ill?
That is not at all true. In the advanced and developed countries and also in leading metropolitan and progressive cities in our country, people are shedding their old inhibitions and realizing the value of meeting the Psychotherapists and the tremendous benefits of counseling. Most of the people who have undergone therapy report of an amazing positive change in their lives.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is the name of the complete process which involves the person wanting treatment and the Therapist / counselor. Initially the therapist would try and understand the complete history and background of the client as well as the problem being faced. Subsequently through specialized cognitive techniques and methods the therapist /counselor would try to develop solution(s) to deal with the given problem. There are large numbers of these techniques and the Therapist is trained and experienced on these. Taking into account all the factors the therapist would choose the most appropriate technique for dealing with the given problem at hand.
In what way will Psychotherapy / Counseling help me?
Through these counseling sessions you will begin to gain more clarity about your own life in general and about the specific problem in particular. Through the guidance provided by the Counselor you will begin to develop solutions or coping mechanisms regarding the problem. This will be brought about by a deliberate change in your thought processes and subsequently your behavior patterns leading to changes in attitude and positive mindsets. A number of people have found that having a comfortable and safe atmosphere with an attentive and keen listener with the Therapist itself is a very enriching and beneficial experience.
Are there any risks involved with Psychotherapy?
There is no risk involved since these are behavior based therapies and are employed by the Therapist with the consent of the client. This is done at a pace which the client is comfortable and receptive with.
How long are these sessions with the Therapist? How much time is required to complete the treatment?
Typically a single session would last between 45 to 60 minutes. Beyond this time it is not advisable due to the intense cognitive involvement of both the person taking therapy as well as the therapist. There is also no exact time that can be assigned in advance for the complete treatment. It would vary from a single / few sessions to sessions over a few months depending on the severity and complexity of that particular case. Each session is fixed with specific appointment as mutually agreed convenience.
Does Psychotherapy work even if I am using psychiatric medicines?
The psychotherapy, as given above is a process that involves a cognitive processes and is therefore absolutely safe even if one is taking psychiatric medicines. However it would be prudent to apprise your therapist upfront about the type of medicines one is using and reasons for same. This would enable the therapist to better understand and treat the problem. On the other hand in case during the period of treatment the therapist feels that medicinal supplement is essential to the treatment, referral could be made to a suitable clinical Psychiatrist.
How confidential is the information that is shared with the Therapist during the sessions?
All the details that are shared by a client during the complete treatment remain fully confidential and would not be shared with anyone else unless you especially authorize the therapist to do so in writing.
Under what circumstances will the Confidentiality clause be broken?
Only in case there is some grave information that may prove detrimental in an immediate timeframe and is illegal by law like grave physical harm to oneself or others, child abuse or grave domestic violence etc. these would be beyond the clause of confidentiality and would be required to be reported to appropriate authorities. Such situations rarely arise, however it is important to know the situations where confidentiality may lapse.
Can the Counseling be conducted through a third person? Can someone else accompany the person wanting therapy during a session?
The person who needs the psychotherapy treatment would have to attend the session in person face to face or directly on skype/ telephone or any other platform in case of online counseling. The presence of third person during the session / on phone etc is at the sole discretion of the Counselor and would vary as per the situations, however most of the time no third person is allowed during the sessions.
When do we come to know if the therapy is over?
The best person to know this would be your therapist. Once the Counselor is convinced that the treatment is over she would inform you so. It is important to understand that the coping mechanisms and /or the solution developed during psychotherapy be continued by oneself after certain stage and not be dependent on the Therapist beyond a point in time.
How would you describe yourself as a Psychotherapist?
With more than 25 years experience in handling real life situations, handling individuals with problems related to relations and mindsets /behaviors, I have developed a deep understanding and compassion that enables me to get an insight into the people's circumstances. This helps me to customize therapy treatments to match those circumstances and cultural and family background of the client and deal with them in an honest and collaborative style.
