Understanding the Importance of Therapy

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges and stressors of every day, and struggled to manage your emotions and relationships effectively? In this article, we'll explore the role of therapy in managing mental health including basic counseling skill

Navigating life's challenges can be difficult, especially when it comes to mental health. From anxiety to depression to everyday issues, many individuals struggle to manage their emotions and lead fulfilling lives. That's where therapy comes in. However, it's important to understand the limitations of therapy and to recognize when additional support may be necessary millions of people around the world face these issues every day, and therapy can be a powerful tool to help them cope and thrive.

 

1. Firstly, could you give an introduction about yourself? What led you to pursue a career in psychotherapy, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am Rojisha Shahi, graduated from TU with a degree in clinical psychology and established my own clinic to provide mental health support. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for mental health services, and I am grateful to have completed my studies when this need was becoming more apparent. Despite starting as a BBA student, I realized that psychology was my true calling after noticing a growing need for mental health services in my community. Helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges is incredibly rewarding. Psychology has been a fulfilling career for me, and I am committed to helping others achieve their mental health goals.

 

2. What is your psychotherapy course, and what benefits does it carry for the individual applying for it?

At the start of my psychology career, there was little training available, and many doctors looked down on us. I wanted to make mental health resources more accessible, especially for those unfamiliar with therapy. During COVID-19, the demand for mental health services increased, and I don't want the new generation of psychologists to face the same challenges I did so courses can serve as a stepping stone, but it's important to note that a certificate does not qualify someone to open a clinic. My goal is to reduce stigma and make mental health support accessible to all, as it's crucial for living a fulfilling life.

 

3. What kind of clients do you typically work with, and what kinds of issues do you specialize in?

As a therapist, I work with young adults and teenagers facing anxiety, depression, stress, and emotion management challenges. I focus on individuals aged 14 to 40 dealing with issues related to careers and relationships. Although I cannot specialize in severe mental health issues, I am committed to supporting individuals to lead fulfilling lives by addressing everyday stress and anxiety. I cannot work with severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction, but I am dedicated to helping individuals cope with daily stressors and challenges.

 

4. What common goals or outcomes can clients expect from working with you?

Therapy is a useful tool for managing and coping with stress and anxiety, inevitable parts of life. It helps individuals understand and handle their emotions, heal, and develop management skills to tackle everyday stressors. The course component of therapy provides a basic understanding of counseling skills, which can help individuals determine if they want to pursue a career in the field. Learning how to support each other is essential, not just as therapists, but also as friends, family members, and colleagues.

 

5. How do you adapt your approach to meet each client's unique needs and preferences?

From the very start, we are taught that every person is different, and individual differences exist in every general problem. Whether it's a family, relationship, or friend's issue, each person experiences it in a unique way, which changes the entire perspective. Understanding these differences is essential to analyze and comprehend how everyone experiences pain differently and that is how we initiate and go through the sessions.

 

6. How do you handle difficult or emotional situations in session (e.g., crying, anger, resistance)?

It's important to allow individuals to acknowledge and express their emotions in therapy. If someone feels uncomfortable or judged during a session, it's best to find a different therapist. While we can't be friends with everyone, feeling comfortable and understood in therapy is crucial for personal growth. Allowing individuals to feel and express their emotions freely helps them understand their own situation and ultimately find a path toward healing.

 

7. How do you measure progress in therapy, and how do you know when it's time to end treatment?

During therapy, my main focus is to monitor the progress of the patient's emotional well-being and stability. Though we learn a lot theoretically, it's a whole different experience when dealing with patients practically. I regularly ask my patients how they are feeling, and based on their response, we either continue the sessions once a month for three weeks or increase the frequency to once a week if they are facing any difficulty.

 

8. Could you share some experiences you have had during therapy sessions?

Sexual harassment, especially when it involves family members or someone known to the victim, can be very difficult to cope with. As a therapist, I have counseled patients who have experienced sexual trauma at the hands of their own fathers or brothers. In such cases, women may feel vulnerable due to financial constraints or lack of awareness. Dealing with sexual harassment cases requires a lot of effort, and unfortunately, some cases are difficult to get through. As a therapist, it is heartbreaking to see such cases and makes me feel helpless.