Question 1

What is counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a process of assisting and guiding individuals, especially by a trained person in a safe and confidential setting, to resolve personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties. A counselor helps individuals analyze their subjects and reflect upon them without fear of judgment, bias, condemnation, or ridicule.

Question 2

What is confidentiality, and what does it entail?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is a huge deal in therapy and counseling and is one of the major reasons counseling is effective. Confidentiality is the assurance that whatever you safely or randomly discuss with your counselor or therapist will not be shared with anyone. When you pour out your heart or start your healing process, you will not have to worry about the consequences or what would happen if anybody ever found out. It is just you, the counselor, and the four walls of your therapy room, giving you a quiet place to collect your thoughts, share and let things out. The content of what is discussed in the counseling session is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with others unless expressly agreed by you or in exceptional circumstances. It is a professional code of conduct, so confidentiality is only broken in rare cases when there is a legal reason to do so.

Question 3

If I start counseling, I worry I will have to continue forever. Is it true?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not have to continue counseling or therapy forever as the goal is to guide you in your growth or healing process. For some issues, you may find an immediate solution, relief, or healing, probably after 1 or 2 sessions, while others could take more than 5 sessions. Every counseling session aims to get you one step closer to your goal.

Question 4

Why do I need multiple sessions? Are you supposed to solve my problems immediately?

Accepted Answer

Not all counseling sessions can spark immediate solutions, as the counselor/therapist does not proffer results. They help you find your solution and understanding. Sometimes, counseling sessions help an individual grow and do better when faced with certain situations which do not happen in one day. Your counselor can better understand how many sessions are required once he/she meets with you and understands your situation better.

Question 5

Isn't counseling for those with mental issues? Why would others seek counseling?

Accepted Answer

Counseling is for anybody looking for support and helps to navigate a difficult situation. It does not have to be a medically diagnosed issue before an individual decides to see a counselor. Much of counseling is to help people who are otherwise quite capable of functioning in their normal lives deal with personal or relational challenges and to get a deeper insight into themselves. If it is a diagnosed issue, the individual may need to work with a psychiatrist or other medical or mental professionals to help with their recovery or management.

Question 6

My friend needs counseling. Can you counsel him without him knowing?

Accepted Answer

Counseling is voluntary. The counselor or therapist cannot force anything on any individual whatsoever. Your friend has to know that he is being counseled. If you feel concerned for your friend but don't know how to broach the topic, please come and talk to us. We can help you understand your concerns and assist you with knowing how to relay these concerns to your friend.

Question 7

Will you hypnotize me or make me do something I don't want to do?

Accepted Answer

No, counseling and general therapy are strictly what we do at Therabridge. Mind-reading, forcing, hypnotizing, or any such thing is not advice-giving, directing, controlling, or regulating. It is not about the prescription of medicines, drugs, etc. We guide you on how to find your solutions to certain issues. It is largely a talking therapy though occasionally, art, writing, or other such exercises may be used. Depending on the situation, Counselors may sometimes offer relaxation methods or other non-medical interventions for the specific purpose of your healing. These methods or interventions are strictly voluntary and are explained to you in detail, outlining the effects, the process, and the expectations.

Question 8

I want to be in counseling, but can we discuss fees and payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer professional counseling services for an affordable fee. Usually, we ask the counselor to pay the fee directly at the end of every session. If you prefer other payment terms, such as payment through direct transfer to our bank account or payment in advance for a certain number of sessions, please discuss this with the counselor. Generally, we do not offer counseling services on payment or promises of future payments. However, we do not turn anybody who needs our help away, even if they can not afford our fees. We offer a sliding scale based on the person's capacity, though the timings/ locations where we might be able to meet you might be less flexible. Our services will be professional irrespective of the fees paid. We can also refer clients to free helplines and drop-in centers where needed.

Question 9

Do you do home visits?

Accepted Answer

We offer onsite counseling, including homes, hospitals, etc., where a client (or clients) cannot travel to our site. We do home services under special circumstances, such as disability or illness. We are particular about the place of counseling as confidentiality and privacy are key elements of counseling, and we will want to ensure that the counselor can assure such conditions even if working outside our own spaces. We may also charge for commutation

Question 10

What is Professional Counseling? How is it different from others?

Accepted Answer

Professional Counseling involves an individual meeting with a certified counselor. A professional counselor must follow ethical codes of practice, work in a safe environment that allows for privacy & confidentiality, maintain clear appointments and time schedules, maintain work boundaries including time, space & social contact, monitor and document their work, be under supervision, are aware of their areas of work & limitations, uphold secular & non-discriminatory principles, and are committed to providing quality of service. It is different from getting advice from a family or a friend whose beliefs and convictions differ from yours, alongside their ways of handling certain situations.

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