Me & My Psychotherapy

Me and My Psychotherapy

A: "Purva, Recently I have been to a therapist and I don't know why but I cried in the first session itself."

Me: "Hmm.."

A: "The therapist was quiet. She did not even tell me not to cry. Is it normal? Like is it okay to not say that?!"

Me: "How did it make you feel?"

A: "Initially confused. But after crying, I felt really better. But it was different to not to hear “Don't cry'".

Recently the field of psychological counseling and psychotherapy has received a major boost since the pandemic. Some people opine that going to a psychologist is an ‘easy way’ out of problems; some also feel its a fad. Some are really attracted to the field and to the role of a therapist. Some feel that it is just a ‘talk', anyone can do it for their friends or family members. Among these various opinions, one thing we, as therapists, have surely observed is that people have started approaching psychotherapists more openly than in the past. The pandemic might have also contributed to this.

With this changing trend of going to therapists, there are questions arising in a lay person's mind. Questions like- how to choose a psychologist; what is ‘okay’ to talk in the session and what is not. Many of our clients have shared there is no appropriate place that they can ask these questions due to confusion or hesitation. So I felt the need to share what all a person is required to know while choosing a psychotherapist and going for psychotherapy.

Though the relationship is professional, the therapist and the client share a unique bond which is difficult to explain. The trust put by both the parties onto each other seems to help the client open up and heal. Hence it is very common that some might get easily connected and some might not get connected with their therapist. Both situations are completely okay for the first session however for a better outcome from the therapeutic process it is essential that you trust your therapist and feel this connection after at least a few sessions.

There are different emotions like feeling scared, apprehensive, relieved, motivated, happy even angry sometimes after one's first session. If the person shares this experience with the therapist it strengthens the connection and helps the therapy process.

Apart from this, the client has a right to know about the qualification, experience as well as the logistics and other details before the first session. It is essential that the psychologist/psychotherapist holds a master’s degree in psychology from a recognized university; a clinical psychologist is a RCI registered professional having completed an M.Phil.

As psychotherapy is a very delicate, fluid and qualitative process; we will elaborate on a few more areas in the upcoming blog. What role a therapist's experience plays in the process and what can be other questions a client has once he starts with the therapy will be interesting to explore. We are hopeful that it will help the people who find it difficult to get authentic information regarding psychotherapy.

Do post your questions, we would love to answer them!

- Mrs. Purva Joshi,

Consultant Psychologist,

Vidula Psychological Consultancy, Pune

9067002242