Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers that we have put together. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions besides these.
What is counselling?
Counselling or psychotherapy is about talking on a one-on-one basis with a mental health professional in a nurturing environment. The aim is for you to have a supportive, non-judgmental and confidential environment, where you can explore any emotional or psychological concerns you may be experiencing. Counselling helps improve well-being, resolve crisis, alleviate distress, increase adjustment, and function better.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are terms that are often used interchangeably. To differentiate, counselling refers to working with your immediate presenting symptoms and behavior, your current problems and how that’s impacting your life. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, involves a deeper focus on your emotions and experiences that you encountered in the past, along with your current difficulties, in order to help you understand on how these experiences have shaped who you are today. This helps in building increased self-awareness, and also helps you uncover your uniqueness. At IReflect, counselling and psychotherapy are terms that are used interchangeably.
How do I know when I need counselling? Is it meant only for severe problems?
You can go for counselling for concerns that impact you on a day to day basis, like work stress, relationship issues, family problems, when you feel the need to share your experiences with someone, such that you can develop a broader perspective of your own difficulties. You could also seek counselling/psychotherapy for deeper difficulties such as depression, panic attacks, high anxiety, trauma or abuse. There is no exhaustive list of reasons of why someone might visit a counselor, but we have provided a list of common concerns in the next question.
What are the common concerns you address?
To briefly enlist some concerns:
Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Physical or Sexual Abuse
Trauma
Pressures and Stress at Work
Work-Life Balance
Motivation
Creative Blocks
Self-Confidence Issues
Anger related difficulties
Guilt/ Shame
Sleep Difficulties
Eating Difficulties (Overeating, Loss of appetite etc.)
Sexual Concerns
Infertility
Emotional Upheaval during pregnancy
Post Partum difficulties
Interpersonal/relationship issues
Counselling for couples (dating, engaged or married)
Family problems
Parenting difficulties
Child and adolescent Counselling
Online services
Will people think something is wrong with me, or that I am crazy, if I visit a counselor?
Though there is a lot more awareness and openness in the current times about visiting a counsellor and focusing on one’s mental health and wellbeing, unfortunately it still is a taboo in many people’s minds. Realizing that you need help is a big step; and in fact, it shows a lot of courage. Hence, most people who visit a counselor, in fact, are courageous, and willing to reach out and seek support in order to deal with their problems as well as get in touch with their deeper emotions.
How many sessions would I need?
The number of sessions required is mutually decided by you and your therapist. There is no fixed number, as it is largely based on the issues you present and the goals that you want to achieve. The mutual setting of goals with your therapist will give you a clearer schedule of your counselling journey, and you will get a better understanding of this after the first consultation session. On an average, we recommend about 3 months of therapy, that is, about 10-12 sessions for any kind of issue presented.
What if I have to miss or cancel an appointment?
Appointments are usually scheduled in advance. If a session is arranged, it is important that you arrive at the center on-time or prior to the scheduled appointment. Regularity is necessary to achieve your therapeutic goal. In any case due to an emergency or change of plans, call the center in advance (24 to 48hrs) to inform ahead.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is one of the most important pillars of counselling. Whatever information that you share with your counselor, is kept confidential, only except, when there is possibility of harming oneself, someone else or when there is danger to the community. Therapy is a safe space for you to share your fears, desires or secrets, and confidentiality is one of the most important ethics that we value at IReflect.
Will I be prescribed medication?
Counselors or psychologists do not prescribe medication; this can only be done by a certified medical doctor or a psychiatrist. You will not be prescribed medication by the counsellor, but if your counsellor feels that medication will be important for you, then you will be referred to a psychiatrist for consultation regarding medication.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychologist holds a masters degree or a doctoral degree (PhD), while a psychiatrist holds a medical degree (MD). A psychologist/counsellor focuses on providing therapy, and treating emotional problems through psychotherapy, whereas a psychiatrist has license to prescribe medication/drugs to treat mental health difficulties.
