Counseling is a form of talk therapy that encourages people to address the issue they are facing with the eventual goal of overcoming the problem. In counseling, you and your therapist will work together toward ensuring your emotional and mental well-being. Your therapist will use tools to help you navigate any difficult feelings, behaviors, thoughts, or situations that you are experiencing.

The personal details of everyone seeking therapy are kept anonymous and confidential by therapists, and these details are not shared with anybody without the client's consent. However, in extreme cases where the client poses a danger to a person's - their own or someone else's - life, the therapist would get in touch with their emergency contact.

The number of therapy sessions you would ideally have to attend is mutually decided by you and your therapist. This decision is based on your concerns, diagnoses (if any), the severity of your concerns, etc.

Counseling psychologists collaborate with clients to address their mental health concerns and trace their root causes. They work in tandem with their clients, encouraging them to make decisions which aid their mental well-being.

A clinical psychologist specializes in psychological problems causing severe distress, such as psychosis. They use psychometric testing, questionnaires, and assessments to diagnose and treat their clients.

A psychiatrist is a doctor working primarily in psychopathology, the medical domain concerned with identifying, researching, diagnosing, and treating mental health concerns. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe you medicines (if required) to manage your mental health concerns or diagnoses.

Yes, it is absolutely safe to take medications. The chemical composition in the brain causes psychological disorders; medications act on these irregularities to decrease or, in some cases, completely eliminate your discomfort. However, you should take medicines only as and when prescribed by a psychiatrist. Avoid self-medicating; it can can actually worsen your symptoms.

Therapy is for anyone and everyone. Anything that makes you stressed, worried, or impacts your mood can be discussed in therapy, from daily life concerns to a one-of-a-kind occurrence.

Online therapy is as helpful as face-to-face counselling. Like in-person therapy, online therapy also helps you express yourself with the help of a qualified professional. Plus, it saves you money, conveyance time, and the hassle of setting up in-person meetings. According to your comfort and convenience, you can ask your therapist to conduct online sessions over either a video or audio call.

You have already taken a step toward better mental health by choosing to go to therapy. Acknowledge it and be proud of the effort you have put in! Remember to set goals, be open and honest, and have realistic expectations. Schedule your session at a convenient time and keep an open mind. You can also note down a few things you’d like to discuss with your therapist beforehand.