The Alternative Story

the alternative story

FAQs – about mental health and counselling.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a process in which the client and counsellor work towards creating a change in aspects of the client’s life, which the client wishes to work on. These aspects could be relationships, work life, family, self-image, personal growth etc. based on what the client wants to work with. Counselling can be a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space. It can allow a person to express their experiences, emotions, and thoughts that are otherwise difficult to share. It can help them to find ways to cope with and manage difficult situations.

A counsellor is a person who listens to and works with the client to achieve the goals that they mutually set in the process of counselling. These goals could include dealing with trauma, being more assertive at work, coping with mental illness and many others. The relationship between a counsellor and therapist is based on trust, non–judgment and confidentiality. This relationship becomes the foundation of therapy.

Who can counsel?

Counselling can be provided by a person who is professionally trained in Counselling or Clinical Psychology. The minimum qualification for a person to be a psychologist generally is a 2-year Masters Degree in Counselling or Clinical Psychology. The training that a therapist goes through involves building skills like empathy and non-judgementality, perspectives that assist in understanding different situations that people might go through, and techniques that facilitate the counselling process.

What can I expect from counselling?

When a person goes for counselling, they can expect to be listened to without judgment and to be empathized with. Counselling could be a space in which the client and therapist work closely with difficult situations or emotions to find ways to make the client feel more comfortable.  

Counselling can help the client make sense of the world around them. It can help them process their feelings about the world and people around them, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms for the difficult experiences that they might have. Every person’s journey of counselling is unique and might take a different path.

I have some reservations about counselling… Can you tell me more? 

Beginning counselling can be an uncomfortable process. It is difficult to sit in front of a stranger and talk about sensitive information about yourself. Thoughts like, ‘I don’t think this will help me’, ‘I don’t even know where to begin explaining’ and ‘I find it difficult to open up’ are completely normal before beginning therapy. Counselling can still be beneficial to you, and your therapist is trained to handle all your hesitations and reservations.

You may also feel hesitation because therapy has been stigmatised in our population. Many people seek therapy for a variety of reasons – going for counselling does not mean that there is something wrong with you. It’s a safe, confidential space for you to feel heard, understood and validated. 

Any information shared with a therapist is completely confidential, except in cases where the client is likely to harm themselves or another. 

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? 

A psychologist is a professional who can work with clients in therapy towards gaining a better understanding of the concern they are dealing with, their relationships, themselves and the world around them. A psychologist has a minimum qualification of a Master’s Degree in Counselling or Clinical Psychology.

A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a doctor who can prescribe medication for various mental health concerns. A psychiatrist understands what the client is going through by taking a history of the client’s concerns and on its basis decides whether medication is necessary and accordingly prescribes medication. A psychiatrist has the qualification of M.D. in Psychiatry. Generally, a psychiatrist and psychologist work together with clients for their mental well-being.

How do I know if I need counselling?

There are no concerns that are too small or too big for counselling. Therapy is a safe space where you can be completely yourself; if you think this is something you may benefit from, counselling is for you! 

You may be considering counselling if:

  • Your difficulties are making it hard for you to function in your day to day life.
  • You’re facing issues in your relationships, at work, or with your family members .
  • You feel tired of being discriminated against because of your gender, caste, sexuality, disability, etc.
  • You feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness, helplessness or anxiety
  • You just need someone to talk to

You may seek counselling for any or all of these reasons or none of them.

What is Conjoint Counseling?

Conjoint therapy is an approach, wherein two or more clients are seen together in a therapy session. This type of therapy may be used for couples counselling or to deal with concerns between a parent and a child, or within a family system.