Frequently Asked Questions

• Counseling and psychotherapy are forms of talk therapy provided by trained professionals to help individuals address emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues. It offers a judgement-free space to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop strategies to manage or overcome difficulties.

• Talk therapies aren't necessarily all about "talking". Therapists actively team up with clients to providing resources and take-home activities to build new coping skills.

• Healing comes in therapy as suppressed feelings and experiences get processed, and new coping methods practiced. 

• If you often find yourself bombarded with racing thoughts, restlessness, painful feelings (or a sense of numbness/emptiness), you might be going through an experience that is difficult to handle alone. These problems start spilling into other areas of life like relationships, career and physical health, eventually creating a vicious cycle. However, your problems don't have to be "serious-enough" for you to consider therapy.

• However, one doesn't necessarily need to have a problem to consider therapy. This space offers self-exploration, insights and a deeper reflection for those who are simply seeking to add more purpose and meaning to their lives.

• A therapy session with me lasts for 60 minutes and involves open and confidential discussions. You'll be encouraged to share your thoughts and feelings while receiving support, and coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.

• The basis of therapy is collaboration- this means you as a client have the right to decide the goals,pace and discussions in the therapy space.

• The first session is about exploring the context, problems and goals in depth. This helps in setting the stage for the course of sessions ahead and developing a support plan.

• The therapist might offer take-home handouts and activities for the client to practice in-between sessions so that the therapeutic benefits can be sustained.

• Yes, counseling and psychotherapy sessions are confidential. Your therapist is bound by ethical and legal guidelines to maintain your privacy. Exceptions may apply if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law.

• The duration of therapy varies from person to person and depends on individual goals, needs and severity of their concerns. Concerns that are relatively new and related to adjusting to a transition may benefit from short-term therapy (7 to 8 sessions), while emotional challenges that have existed for many years may need a long-term support. 

• The ultimate goal of therapy is to help the client eventually become self-reliant in managing their challenges. Once the client's goals are met and significant progress is made, the therapist and client discuss termination of therapy.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, counseling typically focuses on specific issues and practical solutions, while psychotherapy delves deeper into the root causes of emotional difficulties and may involve long-term exploration and personal growth.

• It's okay to have doubts. A consultation with a therapist can help you explore your concerns and determine whether therapy is right for you. 

Be open and honest with your therapist, set clear goals, and actively engage in the process. Remember that therapy is a collaborative effort between you and your therapist.