Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’ve never had a counsellor or therapist before this. How can I go about the process?
Ans: If a counsellor/ therapist has been recommended to you, it is advisable to ask for their credentials and have a brief introductory call with them to state your issue (relationship problem, anxiety, eating disorder etc), ask clarifying questions (if any) and schedule your first session.
2. How do I know if a counsellor or coach is the right fit for me?
Ans: No matter how highly qualified or well regarded the therapist is, please give priority to your own experience in the session.
Ask yourself these questions –
Do I feel heard, understood and respected by this counsellor? Does she have a genuine attitude and clear communication?
– Is the time of each session utilized well? Am I making progress from one session to the next?
– Does the counsellor’s involvement make me feel more hopeful and empowered to solve my problem?
– Has the counselling process stimulated self-reflection and a deeper self-awareness in me?
If you have any apprehensions, it’s best to share them openly with the counsellor.
3. What is the difference between counselling, coaching and therapy, and can one person do all three?
Ans: While the skills and approaches used may differ among the above three, let us first look at the similarities between them. To be an effective coach, counsellor or therapist you need listening skills, empathy and
Yes, there are people (like myself) who are qualified in all three disciplines. While the skills and techniques used may differ among the three, let us first look at the similarities between them. To be an effective coach, counsellor or therapist you need to exhibit competent communication skills, empathy and embody unconditional positive regard for your client.
Coaching focuses on the here and now while therapy is usually a longer-term process with deeper exploration of a person’s history and childhood. Counselling would be somewhere in between coaching and therapy in terms of duration and depth of exploration.
4. How frequently should one have sessions with a counsellor/ therapist?
Ans: The frequency of the sessions varies from case to case depending on the issue you’re facing. Generally speaking, it is helpful to meet your counsellor once a week in the initial phase so that you can cover more ground and make progress. Thereafter, in most cases you can steadily taper the frequency of the sessions. However, every client’s journey is different and an ethical counselor will always tell you when you need to reduce or even stop having sessions any more.
5. Is online counselling effective?
Ans: Yes, in my experience online video sessions are very convenient and effective. All you need is good wifi network and a setting without noise or distraction.