Frequently Asked Questions

What is therapy?

• Therapy is also called psychotherapy or counseling. It is a process where the therapist and client work together to resolve their self-defeating beliefs, negative thinking, difficult feelings and emotions, problematic behaviors, and self-destructive habits.  

• Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible, no matter what challenges you face.

• Therapy helps develop a positive attitude towards self, life situations, society, and people. One can create a healthy relationship with self and others.

What are the benefits of therapy?

• Improving Self-awareness which creates a better understanding of yourself

• Attaining clarity of self-values and life goals 

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other difficult emotional experiences

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Improving communication and listening skills

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family, marriage, and relations

How long does therapy last?

The therapist’s first goal is to empower clients to deal with current and future circumstances; hence client doesn’t have to go for therapy forever. Therapy can last anywhere from one session to several months. The number of therapy sessions depends on the client’s issue and the progress towards the goal of treatment. After achieving mutually decided goals of therapy sessions, a therapist can terminate therapy. The client can come for the follow-up sessions if required.

How is confidentiality maintained?

Confidentiality is one of the most crucial components between a client and a psychotherapist. The therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and one can expect that a professional will not share therapy details with anyone.

Under which Circumstances Bridge of confidentiality happens?

State law and professional ethics require a therapist to maintain confidentiality, and there are times when a therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality: except for the following situation.

• Based on the information provided by the client or collateral sources, the suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement.

• If the therapist suspects the client is seriously in danger of harming themself or has threatened to harm another person.

How does the therapy session look?

• Every therapy session is different. In the first session, the therapist mainly focuses on creating a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to express their inner experiences. The therapist also tries to understand what kind of help the client seeks. The therapist focuses on building a trustworthy rapport with the client.

• Initially, in the therapy sessions, the therapist helps clients be aware of the whole therapy process, including the confidentiality clause, and make them aware of the therapy approach- how they will provide support to the client after collecting the basic history of the issue.

• Based on the above therapist can discuss mutual therapy goals, which provides direction to further therapy sessions.

Does online therapy work effectively?

Most mental health and emotional issues can be treated effectively through online sessions. Stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation-related issues are usually appropriate for online therapy.

Are there any drawbacks of online therapy?

• Some people may feel that online therapy is a bit impersonal compared to face-to-face treatment; however, nowadays, therapists are trained in making online therapy as effective as in-person. 

• Therapists cannot read the client’s body language entirely though therapists prefer video call sessions.

• Sometimes it becomes difficult for the therapist to make kids sit in front of the screen for 45-50 minutes and make them attend the whole session.

Disclaimer: If you need emergency or immediate support, visit the nearest emergency room, or you can refer the following helplines:

• Jeevan Astha Helpline: 1800 233 3330, 24*7 available 

• ICALL: 022-25521111 and 9152987821, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, Languages- Hindi, English 

• Fortis Stress Helpline: 91-8376804102, 24*7, over 15 languages

AASRA: 09820466726, Languages- Hindi and English