_{Counselling or therapy is a collaborative process between a psychotherapist and an individual - focused on gaining deeper insight into one’s thoughts, behaviours, emotions, attachment styles, interpersonal relationships. Therapy is a process of self discovery, that aids an individual in realizing their potential. Psychotherapists are trained in various evidence-based therapeutic modalities and techniques that help individuals in their process of healing.
Therapists create specific therapy plans for each client, depending on the needs of the individual. It goes beyond giving advice or solutions, and helps individuals focus on driving the changes they need in their lives, by improving their awareness, emotional-regulation and self-efficacy.}
 

_{Therapy is both curative and preventative, it is not necessarily only for individuals with a clinical diagnosis. Therapy provides a trusting space where one can be vulnerable and explore deeper issues and journey towards insight development.}

_{Therapy creates a safe and confidential space for one to explore their experiences and challenges, and to heal and move towards meaningful and authentic ways of living.}

<sub>A psychiatrist is a doctor with a MBBS degree and a M.D/ DNB/ Diploma in Psychiatry.
They are qualified to make diagnoses, prescribe medication and oversee the pharmacologic treatment protocols of an individual.

A therapist is a mental health practitioner who has completed a Master’s (Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychological Counselling). They are trained in psychotherapeutic interventions to alleviate emotional suffering, and improve emotional wellbeing.
Therapists undergo intensive training and hundreds of hours of supervision for the same.</sub>

_{It's important to remember that reaching out is not a sign of weakness, but a significant step toward the path of self-care and healing.
Here are some signs that can tell you, it might be time to seek professional help:}

• _{Emotional difficulties, uncontrolled anger, bouts of crying, feelings of deep sadness, loneliness, feelings of emptiness, apathy or disinterest}

• _{Experiencing significant disruptions in sleep patterns}

• _{Significant changes in appetite}

• _{Challenges in maintaining relationships}

• _Trauma

• _Grief

•  _{If you’re experiencing significant disruption/dysfunction in your daily functioning, sleep, appetite and energy levels}
•  _{If you’ve experienced intrusive thoughts or self-harm/suicidal thoughts}
• _{If you’re still unsure, your therapist will be able to identify if there are any indicators that suggest you could benefit from consulting with a psychiatrist}

_{Psychiatric medications influence the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and patterns of thought. The best results are usually seen when medication is combined with psychotherapy. In some cases, especially when the symptoms are severe, medicines can reduce symptoms, allowing an individual to engage better in therapy.}

_{Your psychiatrist will usually review your previous clinical records, family history of response to a certain medication etc. to see if evidence exists for recommending one medicine over another.}

_{Some medications work within a few days. Others often take weeks to start acting. You may experience mild side effects during the first week or so which usually settles. A start low, go slow approach is often used by psychiatrists to minimize any discomfort. The medication may have to be taken for a few months to achieve the desired effect.}

_{For more information please refer to}

_{https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/What-to-Expect-From-Your-Medications}

_{These are usually the biggest myths associated with medication. Not all medications cause dependence /addiction. There are some medicines like benzodiazepines that cause dependence when used continuously over a prolonged period of time. However your psychiatrist will not prescribe these for more than a few weeks and it is not advisable to continue medication without reviewing with your doctor. The medications that are usually prescribed for depression/ OCD/anxiety do not cause dependence . The course of medication can vary from a few weeks to a few months or longer depending on the underlying clinical condition and response.}

_{Therapy is a process of insight development, and gaining deeper awareness into the Self. There are innumerable variables and factors that influence the duration of therapy, including how the individual is responding to therapy, the nature of the issues being addressed in therapy, etc. Therapy can take a few weeks to a few months or more to be effective.
However, we do use certain progress trackers to gauge if we're reaching therapy goals/positive outcomes, and encourage our clients to discuss this further with their therapists.}

_{Consultation with the psychiatrist is 25-30 mins.
Therapy sessions are typically 45-50 mins for individual therapy, or 80-90 mins for couple therapy, the frequency of therapy is once a week, until we begin to see significant progress, after which therapy is slowly tapered, and terminated.}