The questions I’m asked most

What is Counselling?

Counselling is the process that occurs when a client and counsellor set aside time to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings of the client. It is the act of helping the client to see things more clearly, possibly from a different view‑point. Counselling is not advice or suggestion, but helping people to help themselves.

Who is the Counsellor?

Counsellors listen, empathise, encourage and help to empower individuals. Counsellors do not advise their clients, but seek to help them to understand themselves better and find their own ways to cope or to resolve problems.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Both professionals often deal with similar mental health problems; however, the focus of treatment tends to be different. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with an M.D. in Psychiatry or a Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM) and are recognized to prescribe medicines, specializing in the treatment of mental disorders. A professional counsellor is a psychologist who has the ability to define problems and identify the barriers that prevent them from thinking clearly. The counsellor throws light on those barriers and works with the individual’s mental health by working on the thoughts, emotions and behaviour to develop proactive and objective solutions to problems.

Why is Counselling voluntary?

Counselling is always voluntary because it is a process that is based on the relationship between the counsellor and the client. The client needs to be able to trust and feel comfortable with the counsellor in order to be open and honest about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is essential for the counselling process to be effective. If counselling is not voluntary, the client is less likely to be engaged and to participate fully in the process. This can make it difficult for the counsellor to help the client achieve their goals. Additionally, forced counselling can be harmful and can actually make the client’s problems worse. The client must be initially motivated to attend at least their first appointment and maintain their drive to avoid dropping out. Collaborative engagement encourages the therapeutic alliance and improves treatment outcomes.

Why not just talk to a friend or well-wisher?

Therapists are professionals trained to facilitate the process of gaining self‑awareness in the client by intentionally listening, questioning and hypothesizing the client’s experiences in a non‑judgmental way. The problem thus identified is treated by applying scientifically proven methods. Additionally, a therapist provides neutrality (lack of personal agenda), confidentiality, and a safe space for the client to talk about their internal emotional experience without the fear of being judged or misunderstood.

What are the ethical principles of Counselling?

Counselling is a choice made voluntarily by the client to seek the services of the professional practitioner. Confidentiality of the information that the client has revealed, and their identity, is to be kept a secret. The counsellor should not take any financial favour, help or aid from the client for their own needs, and should not exploit the weaker, dependent and vulnerable position of the client — to cause no harm and to foster the psychological and physical well‑being of the client. The counsellor needs to provide fair, impartial and adequate service to all clients. Respect for human rights and dignity should actually reflect in their work.

Will counselling help me?

If there is no diagnosis of any severe psychological disorder, counselling will surely help you.

Why don’t you provide chat counselling and phone or audio counselling?

Our counsellors want to understand the client’s emotions through facial expressions, gestures and tone, so that we can help the client more effectively. In chat counselling or phone/audio‑only counselling, these cues will be missing and the counselling will not be effective.

Will I get a solution to my problems after the counselling session?

The counsellor will not give a solution to your problem based on their own experience. The counselling process helps you find your own way forward.

What is the time duration of the session?

A single session’s duration will be 45 minutes to 60 minutes.

What will happen in the counselling session?

The client would bring the agenda for the session and the counsellor will help to get a direction by working on your thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The agenda may be to resolve a problem, to prevent future problems, or to develop oneself.

How many sessions will be required to help me?

It is based on various factors such as the severity and onset of the issue, the support system available, and the client’s motivation and engagement. When we assessed all of them and gave an approximate number of sessions required in the past, some clients took it as though we were unnecessarily asking them to come for many sessions. So we stopped giving an idea of the number of sessions required and we leave it to the discretion of the client. A client may choose to book an appointment whenever they want a session. We never tell clients to book many slots in advance. During the counselling sessions, we may discuss whether the next session is required or not, and the client can choose to book it or leave it. The client will anyway pay for only one session every time. In the first session, you can evaluate whether counselling can help you and decide to book further sessions or not. When you book the next session, please make sure that you have an agenda for the session.

How do I make an appointment?

Step 1 — Reach out: drop us a message on WhatsApp to get connected with us. Step 2 — Free 10‑minute consultation: choose a convenient slot with our counsellor. Step 3 — Pay and confirm: you can make the payment using a suitable UPI app (GPay, PhonePe and others). Step 4 — Pay and confirm: you can make the payment using a suitable UPI app (GPay, PhonePe and others). Step 5 — Attend the session as scheduled, on time.

How can I attend a session if I am in a remote location or another city?

We have the facility to hold the session online as well. We preferably use the Google Meet app for the counselling session.

Once I have booked an in-person session, can I change the mode to online, or the other way round?

There are possibilities if you contact us more than 24 hours before your scheduled session. However, you need to get the confirmation from us.

Why do we have to pay the fee in advance? Can’t we pay after the session?

We require payment upfront to ensure the best use of everyone’s time. Here’s why: Scheduled appointments: we have dedicated time slots for each session booked online. Walk‑ins could disrupt these appointments and cause delays for everyone. Guaranteed availability: by booking and paying in advance, you secure your spot and ensure we will be available for your session. Commitment and preparation: having a financial investment in the session often leads to higher commitment and better preparation, which improves the overall outcome.

Who will benefit the most from a counselling session?

The individuals who accept that their own efforts have not helped, and who seek counselling voluntarily, benefit the most. Please remember that counselling is not advice giving, and counselling help is not a “quick‑fix” solution. It is an interpersonal process between the client and a trained mental health professional. Commitment on the part of the client and their family, along with the counselling professional, brings greater results.

As a family member or parent, will I be updated about what happened in the session?

The counsellor will first meet the client individually and spend more time with them. Family members or parents will be met later for a brief period of time. It will not be possible to update you about the things that happened in the session, owing to confidentiality. We will try our best to empower your family member or child to communicate what happened in the session to you directly.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes, all the sessions are completely confidential and I take your privacy very seriously.

How much is the counselling fee per session?

Our goal is to provide affordable online and offline counselling services to all individuals in need. You will find every fee on the Session Plans page.