While counseling services in India have seen positive developments, there are also challenges and issues that impact the effectiveness and accessibility of mental health support. Some of the issues related to counseling in India includes; Stigma surrounding mental health is still prevalent in Indian society. Many individuals hesitate to seek counselling due to fear of judgment or discrimination. There is a need for increased awareness and education about mental health issues and the benefits of counselling. Many people may not fully understand the nature of mental health concerns or the availability of counseling services.
Counseling services can be expensive, making it difficult for individuals with lower incomes to access professional help. Publicly funded mental health services are limited, and private counseling services may be beyond the financial reach of many.
Due the above stated reasons, many questions arises in our minds related to counselling and therapies.
One of the frequently asked questions is
“WHAT HAPPENS IN A COUNSELLING SESSION? AND WHAT TO EXCEPT IN A COUNSELLING SESSION?
The specific experience of a counseling session can vary based on the type of counseling, the therapist’s approach, and your individual needs. However, here are some common elements you can generally expect in a counseling session:
- Introductions and Establishing Rapport:
- Your first session may involve introductions, where the therapist shares a bit about themselves and their approach, and you have the opportunity to discuss your goals and concerns.
- Confidentiality Agreement:
- Your therapist will explain the limits of confidentiality, outlining situations where they may need to break confidentiality (such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others).
- Discussion of Current Issues:
- You’ll have the chance to talk about the issues that brought you to counseling. This might include personal challenges, relationship difficulties, work-related stress, or any other concerns you have.
- Goal Setting:
- Together with your therapist, you’ll work on setting goals for your counseling sessions. These goals can be short-term or long-term and are designed to help you make progress in addressing your concerns.
- Exploration and Reflection:
- The therapist may ask questions to help you explore your thoughts and feelings more deeply. They may also provide insights and reflections to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your situation.
- Skill Building and Coping Strategies:
- Depending on your needs, the therapist might teach you specific skills or coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or other challenges you’re facing.
- Homework or Reflection Activities:
- In some cases, therapists may suggest activities or reflections to do between sessions to reinforce the work done in counseling.
- Feedback and Evaluation:
- Towards the end of the session, you may discuss how the session went, any insights gained, and your thoughts on the therapeutic process. This feedback helps the therapist tailor future sessions to your needs.
- Scheduling Follow-Up Sessions:
- Before concluding, you’ll typically schedule your next session if you decide to continue with counseling.
Remember that the counseling process is a collaborative one, and you have an active role in shaping the direction of your sessions. The therapist is there to provide support, guidance, and a safe space for exploration and growth. It’s okay to ask questions, express concerns, or seek clarification at any point during the process.
