Frequently Asked Questions
Some Common Queries...
How do I know if I need to see a mental health professional?
As a rule of thumb, when in doubt, always reach out!
Just like your family doctors, we (mental health professionals) not only
provide treatments for mental illnesses, but also are open to create a
safe space to address doubts, confusions and avenues to build your
mental health.
You can take our in-house developed quiz to guide you about which professional would best help you.
Or
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
You can take our in-house developed quiz to guide you about which professional would best help you.
Or
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
“I feel, I may have a mental illness”, what to do?
We hear you, and maybe it's difficult for you right now to make sense
by yourself or with the internet or with family and friends. Diagnosing a
mental illness is a highly specialized skill which only psychiatrists and
clinical psychologists can undertake. In this process, we address all
your doubts and give out treatment options. It is encouraged to have a
clinical assessment and if required a psychological assessment to
ensure if there is a diagnosable condition with either a clinical
psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
Is something wrong with me if I have a mental illness?
It’s understandable that you will feel awful having to experience
emotional distress. It is just as awful as having a broken leg/back or any
other physical illness. Just as we seek treatments for physical illnesses,
we have a range of assessments and treatments available to help you
with psychological distresses.
It is important to note that according to the National Mental Health
Survey of India (2016), estimated prevalence of mental disorder in
India is 10.6%. Hence, it is not uncommon to have mental illness.
Stigma and lack of awareness about mental illness makes people suffer
in silence. We are a call away.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
How do I know which mental health professional do I need to visit?
Oh yes, its hell confusing to understand our specializations. Let’s try to
simplify. Generally, there are three kinds of professionals and they
address different aspects of mental health. Clinical psychologists are
equipped to assess, diagnose and provide therapy for mental illnesses.
While, psychiatrists assess, diagnose and prescribe medicines for
mental illnesses. However, counselling psychologists look after your
general wellbeing and emotional distress using various therapies. So,
key thing is first to establish the purpose of your treatment. Don’t
worry, we have something for you:
You can take our in-house developed quiz to guide you about which professional would best help you.
Or
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
You can take our in-house developed quiz to guide you about which professional would best help you.
Or
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
Isn’t therapy just about talking? How is talking with a friend different from therapy?
Yes, one of the main ways to facilitate therapeutic change with respect
to your distress is via talking. However, therapists in their heads, are
continuously conceptualizing your distress according to the therapy
model, identify the goals and use relevant techniques of thought or
emotions to facilitate the change. To read more in-depth, read our
blog.
Yes, being able to share your distress with a friend is a vital source of social support which influences your process of healing. Yet, it’s not a space for healing, as friendship is a two-way relationship, whereas therapy is a one-way relationship intended only to facilitate your healing. Thus, there is no substitute for cheerleaders like our friends, and there isn’t an alternative to building a safe space dedicated solely for your healing with a therapist.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
Yes, being able to share your distress with a friend is a vital source of social support which influences your process of healing. Yet, it’s not a space for healing, as friendship is a two-way relationship, whereas therapy is a one-way relationship intended only to facilitate your healing. Thus, there is no substitute for cheerleaders like our friends, and there isn’t an alternative to building a safe space dedicated solely for your healing with a therapist.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address your queries.
What rights do I have as a client?
That’s an important question.
As per Mental Healthcare Act 2019, as well as our professional ethics, there are several rights you have as a client which are also given in informed consent, and a few important ones are as follows:
· Respectful treatment free from discrimination.
· Information about your therapist's qualifications and approach.
· Clear explanations about the therapy process, goals, and risks.
· Involvement in treatment decisions and planning.
· Confidentiality of your personal information, with limited exceptions.
· The right to refuse or terminate therapy without consequences.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to understand this process in detail.
As per Mental Healthcare Act 2019, as well as our professional ethics, there are several rights you have as a client which are also given in informed consent, and a few important ones are as follows:
· Respectful treatment free from discrimination.
· Information about your therapist's qualifications and approach.
· Clear explanations about the therapy process, goals, and risks.
· Involvement in treatment decisions and planning.
· Confidentiality of your personal information, with limited exceptions.
· The right to refuse or terminate therapy without consequences.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to understand this process in detail.
What is an informed consent? Why do I need to fill it?
As a client, you have the "right to information." Before starting
therapy, it's crucial to have complete information about your therapist
and the process. This process provides allows you to make an informed
decision. It involves discussing therapy goals, methods, risks, benefits,
and addressing your questions and concerns. Once you understand,
you sign the consent document, confirming your agreement and
participation. This process prioritizes your autonomy and ensures an
active role in your therapy journey.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to understand this process in detail.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to understand this process in detail.
What if I don't feel comfortable with my therapist or the therapy approach?
A significant aspect of your therapeutic journey involves establishing a
strong rapport and a safe relationship with your therapist, where you
feel listened to and understood. It is crucial for you to feel reassured
during the initial three sessions in this regard. However, if you don't
feel comfortable, please know that it's perfectly alright and there's
nothing to worry about. It's important to communicate these
uncomfortable feelings with your therapist. If discussing the issue
doesn't improve the situation, we can certainly explore the possibility
of changing therapists.
Addressing with the therapists has a therapeutic benefit of learning conflict management and getting a closure. Also, the discovery of the right match, has another therapeutic importance of being self- accepting and assertive one’s emotional needs. Therefore, all these processes can also have benefit therapeutically.
To learn more about this topic, feel free to visit our blog.
Addressing with the therapists has a therapeutic benefit of learning conflict management and getting a closure. Also, the discovery of the right match, has another therapeutic importance of being self- accepting and assertive one’s emotional needs. Therefore, all these processes can also have benefit therapeutically.
To learn more about this topic, feel free to visit our blog.
What can I expect in my first therapy session?
Having first ever therapy session can start series of thoughts. You may
feel both nervous and excited. In any case, the first session has four
objectives:
· Building rapport and making you feel comfortable
· Actively listening to whatever you bring to the session
· In case you are experiencing a psychiatric illness, clinical history of symptoms, family and treatments may be taken
· Most importantly, identify a few key areas to work with
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to understand this process in detail.
· Building rapport and making you feel comfortable
· Actively listening to whatever you bring to the session
· In case you are experiencing a psychiatric illness, clinical history of symptoms, family and treatments may be taken
· Most importantly, identify a few key areas to work with
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to understand this process in detail.
How can I prepare for my first therapy sessions?
We don’t expect you to do any preparation for your first session.
However, if it makes you feel comfortable, you could have a small write up of things that motivated you to begin therapy. If there are any pressing issues which you have been wanting to immediately bring attention to. Also, ask yourself, “what do I imagine this process to help me with and how does being helped look like?”
However, if it makes you feel comfortable, you could have a small write up of things that motivated you to begin therapy. If there are any pressing issues which you have been wanting to immediately bring attention to. Also, ask yourself, “what do I imagine this process to help me with and how does being helped look like?”
How often will I need to attend therapy sessions?
The frequency of your sessions is mutually decided by you and your
therapist in initial few sessions. Generally, we recommend having
weekly sessions in first phase, following which we taper the sessions
down to once in two weeks and so on. When we are in process of
termination, booster sessions could be planned either once every
month or on need basis.
How many therapy sessions will I need to get better?
The number of therapy sessions needed to see improvement varies based on individual circumstances, goals, and the nature of the issues being addressed. Some concerns may be resolved in a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy over weeks, months, or even years. Progress in therapy depends on factors such as commitment, self-reflection, and the therapeutic relationship. Regular communication with your therapist helps assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process focused on individual well-being rather than a specific number of sessions.
How do I know if therapy is working for me?
Great question! While therapy doesn't typically provide instant relief,
there are signs that indicate it's working for you. In the initial phase,
feeling heard, understood, and comfortable with your therapist, while
having clarity about the direction of your therapy, are positive
indicators. As you progress, increased self-awareness, improved coping
skills, and reduced symptoms suggest therapy is effective.
In case you feel therapy is not working out, it is best advised to have a session discussing the same with your therapist.
In case you feel therapy is not working out, it is best advised to have a session discussing the same with your therapist.
How do I know if I need medication in addition to therapy?
Generally, in the first session when we take history of the symptoms,
their intensity and impact on your functioning, which is supposed to
inform your therapist if need for medication is indicated. Also,
sometimes in the course of therapy as well, your therapist may advise
you to consider medication as a treatment. However, as a rule of
thumb, if you are experiencing intense symptoms which affect your
functioning, especially if you have thoughts of self-harm, medications
may help you the best.
How do I convince a family member or friend to seek professional help for psychological issues?
It's a challenging process and one requiring patience and building trust.
To begin with you may want to bring to their notice the distress they
are in and impact of symptoms on their lives. Eventually, you can
present visiting a mental health professional as an option by sharing
positive stories and lessen the stigma. Also, instead of pushing them to
visit a mental health practitioner, its important to wait for them to be
ok with it and take a decision.
However, in some situations you may not be able to do this and it will help you more if you visit and seek consultation with psychiatrist or therapist first by yourself.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address these doubts in detail.
However, in some situations you may not be able to do this and it will help you more if you visit and seek consultation with psychiatrist or therapist first by yourself.
Book a free introductory call with our psychologist to address these doubts in detail.
How can I support a loved one who is struggling with mental health issues?
The most important skill required to be supportive of people struggling
with mental health is active listening, accompanied by empathy, non-
judge mentality and validation. As a support person you may want to
know that you need not give advice and you can do this by trying to ask
more open-ended questions and enhancing acceptance of the other
person’s situation.
Can I change my therapist?
Yes totally! If you are not comfortable with your current therapist and
addressing the same isn’t helping you out, you can totally change your
therapist. Making a choice for yourself by addressing your needs is in
fact an important therapeutic act!