Q1. What are the services provided by the consultancy in a capsule?

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A : Counselling and psychotherapy sessions for various emotional issues as well as for serious mental health concerns are provided.

   - Psychological testing is also conducted as and when required.

   - Workshops can be facilitated and conducted if requests are placed in advance by organisations, or academic institutions.

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Q2. Is there a difference between psychologist and psychiatrist?

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  A:  Yes, Psychiatrists have MBBS and MD psychiatry degree. They are the ones who can prescribe medication. Counselling psychologist has a master’s degree and PhD in counselling or clinical psychology. A Clinical Psychologist has MPhil in Clinical Psychology (nomenclature may be changed). They are qualified to perform diagnostic testing and therapy.

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Q3. Can only “talking” in the sessions help?

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A.   It is natural for anyone to feel a little sceptical about 'talking cures'. However, the value and power of systematic thinking and       discussion cannot be underestimated. Also the therapist dealing  with these issues is an expert, trained in 'understanding people         without judging them'. Hence specialised techniques will be used to help one gain insight into one's problems.

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Q4.  What exactly happens in the counselling sessions?

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A.   In the psychotherapy/counselling sessions, the mental health professional will first try to understand your problems and difficulties in great depth. The person who has approached the therapist, will also feel better after ventilating and expressing their problems in a non- judgmental and empathic set up. In subsequent sessions, therapy goals are worked out together. Through the process of discussion, understanding and reflection, resolution of these difficulties is sought. With children, the process of therapy differs. A great deal of play therapy and related techniques are used.

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Q.5. Which age groups can avail of these services?

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A. Psychological services at Vidula can be availed by all individuals-children, parents, adolescents, couples, families as well as by the elderly.

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Q.6. Is medication given?

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A. No. Medication is usually prescribed by a psychiatrist. The consultancy does not have a psychiatrist on board. However after assessment and evaluation, persons needing medication will be provided references of psychiatrists.

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Q.7. How many sessions are required on an average?

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A. This differs from person to person. The individual issues, one's own temperament, as well as several external issues affecting the therapy, will all determine the number of sessions required.

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Q.8. What exactly are the problems that you have dealt with?

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A. In fact any problem that upsets our emotional equilibrium is something that might need professional psychological guidance. Some problems that are dealt with here are:

• Relationship issues

• job loss and related tensions

• anxiety and depression

• mood swings

• suicidal ideas

• personality and temperament related issues

• marital and family issues

• matters related to children's academics and behaviour

• adolescent difficulties 

• career planning

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Q.9. What is psychological testing?

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A. Psychological testing is the use of various standardized tests and test batteries used for various purposes. To put it simply, IQ testing, personality assessment and psycho diagnostic assessment are all a part of psychological testing. Neuro psychological assessment is also conducted here.

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Q.10. How does a person decide whether to seek psychological help?

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A. First of all, most of us would try to use whatever is available to us. That is in terms of information, family support, friends' help, and also one's own emotional strength to face the problems at hand. Several times we are successful. And we move on. However, sometimes, all this is just not possible or not useful. We feel stuck, life just does not seem to move. There are conflicts in our mind, even if all seems well on the surface. At times, we feel out of control, and scared. All these feelings could upset our sleep or appetite and make us feel dull or anxious. This is the time one needs to contact a mental health expert.

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However, some people also consult professionals to seek an expert opinion for some important decisions of their lives. This trend is becoming very common, and shows good results.

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