Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Counseling
Are you considering counseling but have questions about the process? Here are some commonly asked FAQs that might help address your concerns:
1. Whom does Counseling cater to?
Counseling is for anyone requiring emotional support. However, I usually accept individuals above the age of 18. There is no barrier of social background nor educational qualifications to seek counseling.
2. How do I know if I need therapy/counseling?
If your emotional pain, anxiety, stress, anger, fear is affecting your relationships, work, sleep and your day to day functioning and this continues for more than a month, then you should consult a professional.
3. What are the types of Counseling?
Counseling covers a wide range of problems/issues ranging from Marital counseling, Pre-marital Counseling, Work-life balance, Stress, Anxiety, Fear, Depression, Managing relationships, Career counseling, Low self-esteem and Confidence issues, Behavioral problems in children etc.
4. What forms of Counseling do you offer here?
Individual/Personal counseling or Face-to-face counseling is a one to one interaction between the therapist and the client. This personal counseling is highly effective as it provides the client and therapist to work together towards making a healthy change.
Online Counseling or Teletherapy in the form of video conference/chat is the other option available. This is useful for people who cannot commute long distance or are pressed for time.
Online Group Counseling/Therapy is for groups of 5-10 people who have similar issues. The focus of the sessions is on a specific issue shared by the group. For instance,the issue could either be conflict management or coping with change or dealing with anxiety and so on.
5. How effective is online therapy?
Research studies have consistently shown that online therapy is as effective as traditional Face-to-face therapy. Cognitive Behavioral therapy especially, has been found to be “effective, acceptable and practical” in treating cases of depression, anxiety, panic disorder and other issues related to mental well being.
6. What is the duration of one session?
Each individual session lasts for 60 minutes approximately. The first session, however, may go beyond one hour.
The online group session lasts from 60 to 80 minutes.
7. How often do I need to come for Counseling?
Once a week is sufficient, unless there is an emergency.
8. How many individual counseling/therapy sessions are required?
It usually depends on the goals and response of the client. On an average, it would require 8-10 sessions depending on the problem and the client’s response to the therapy.
9. Will confidentiality be maintained?
Yes, confidentiality will be maintained except in those situations where the therapist feels that some information should be disclosed to your doctor, and this will only be done after the client’s consent has been taken.
10. Which form of therapy is practiced here?
I follow Cognitive Behavior therapy mainly, but at times I may use the treatment modalities from other types of therapy too.
11. How effective is Cognitive Therapy?
It is one of the shortest forms of therapy available, in terms of time and effective results. What makes it very effective is the fact that each session has a goal which is decided by the therapist and the client. In each session the therapist guides the client towards his goal by teaching him alternative or new ways to think and behave. By doing this, the counselor helps the client to gradually move, through the course of the sessions, towards achieving the counseling goals set at the outset.
12. How do I know who is a good Counselor?
Check for the therapist’s credentials in terms of their academic background and training. Usually a therapist with a PhD or a post-graduate degree in counseling and with several years of experience in counseling clients is considered well-qualified.
13. What are the requirements from a Client?
The client should come voluntarily to the sessions, with an open mind and a willingness to overcome his/her problem by working in collaboration with the therapist. Active participation from the client is an important factor in determining the duration of counseling.
14. What is the difference between a Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist?
Psychologists are trained in the theory of human behavior. Anyone possessing a degree in psychology is termed as a psychologist but the ones who can offer therapy are Clinical psychologists or Counseling psychologists. They are trained to assess individuals through psychological tests as well as are trained in all forms of therapy.
Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors. They specialize in diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They are qualified to prescribe medicines.
Psychotherapists are usually trained in one or other form of therapy. They use talk therapy to assist the client. For e.g.: I am trained in and use Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
15. Do you give medicines?
No, I do not prescribe medicines as I am a Psychologist. Only Psychiatrists can prescribe medicines.
16. What are the issues that you do not handle?
I do not handle cases related to addictions, sexual problems, parenting concerns, those with severe mental disorders. I do not offer therapy to those below 18 years of age.
