Psychotherapy is also known as ‘Talk Therapy’ and treats deep mental issues and ailments.
Counselling is also a form of Talk Therapy, encouraging behavioural change and emotional well-being. Often the words are used interchangeably but there is a subtle difference. Counselling may focus on specific issues, for a shorter period of time and may be offered by social workers, counsellors and other mental health professionals, to help you deal with stress, marital issues, and the like.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand digs deeper into your psyche to also treat mental health disorders, with sessions continuing for a longer period. The psychotherapist is therefore more qualified than a counsellor and an expert in one or more therapies. However, both therapy and counselling, may be conducted by a psychologist – who can either be a psychotherapist or a trained counsellor.
A New Initiative: Self Align pledges Pro Bono
Online Psychotherapy trainings
On the occasion and in the spirit of 75 years of our country’s independence, Self Align and I, commit to continue serving the mental health of our nation, while surrendering to the greater purpose of our own existence.
I am happy to share that all through 15 Aug 2022 – 15 Aug 2023, Online Self Align workshops in Psychotherapy, will be conducted Pro Bono by me.
This decision is personal but made in the interest, of all mental health professionals keen to learn yet can’t, due to economical constraints.
However, I also appeal for a voluntary and financially comfortable contribution from participants, the batch wise collective sum of which, will be donated to a social cause, of their mutual choice.
I’m hoping that not only will this resolution, renew our commitment towards mental health but also support various charitable institutions.
WHO research shows that stress, leading to a host of life-threatening illnesses like depression, is the gravest of health-related concerns. And medication alone, can’t help, having its own limitations. Speaking to a therapist in time can save lives.
Besides, it’s a more professional way of addressing issues, which at times, your friends or dear ones may not be able to help with. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process, wherein the therapist and you work as a team, in a safe, confidential and non judgemental space. The therapist comes with no personal agenda nor bias and is dedicated to your betterment.
Also, remember, no issue is too small, unimportant or irrelevant to seek professional support. There is no reason for you to feel even the slightest bit of embarrassment or hesitation, to share disturbing matters disrupting your peace of mind, and / or affect your health and family life.
Benefits of Psychotherapy:
- Brings clarity to confusion
- Helps identify the root cause of your distress
- Strengthens your inherent ability to tolerate distress and resolve issues
- Thus improves your resilience
- Empowers you to take charge of your life and face future challenges
Some Issues Treated with Psychotherapy Include:
FAQs
Don’t worry about the terminology; if you’re suffering from a mental health issue and need help, connect. The subtle difference between the two is primarily for Mental Health professionals to gauge and refer. The process for you, pretty much remains the same – discussing and treating the problem through conversations with a therapist / counsellor.
We all go through stress, anxiety and other emotional disturbances. You need to ask yourself –
- Are they making you dysfunctional in any way?
- Is your daily life getting affected because of them?
- Do you find that you’re overwhelmed and unable to cope by yourself?
If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then it’s quite certain, you need some support to bring back the balance required for normalcy.
Of course, they can and their support is extremely crucial during the journey towards getting better. However, there is a marked difference in speaking with another layperson, and an expert trained to understand and handle issues related to mental health.
Mental disturbances could also be pathological, meaning there could be a presence of a mental disorder for which medication, apart from regular therapy, may be necessary. In which case, the therapist will refer you to a Psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication.
Either way, a professional is a far better bet, in such matters, than the friendly neighbourhood ‘go to’ person because the help needed, could be far more than that person can give.
If you find yourself becoming dysfunctional or overwhelmed by a problem, you can reach out by dropping me a line here or even messaging me via Facebook / Instagram. I’m here to help, and that’s what I will do.
The most important aspect here is YOUR admittance and acceptance of the issue and willingness to work on it. That’s half the battle won! The rest is what I’m here to help you take care of.
That’s rather subjective and depends on the severity of your condition and how well you adapt to counselling. However, a typical session takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
It may take you several sessions before you start seeing results, as the process takes time and patience. Hence the number of sessions needed, really depend on your willingness and ability to work on the change you want to bring.