The subject of article on Counselling Psychology: Resistance, Non-acceptance, Denial is basis on my personal experience having interacted with large section of people in various states and cultures across country. However, while I was in London and USA, I found to be a very different story of same matter. In today's developing environment also there have been some resistance to accept Counselling Psychology positively. People do carry certain myths about Counselling Psychology which may be due to deep rooted beliefs, incorrect information or may be due to several past experiences heard from society. Particularly in India, I believe that by and large people are yet to get familiar and develop awareness towards this progressive and well accepted therapeutic process known as counselling, world over.
There is a large section of people who still believe that Psychological Counseling means directly relates the person with some mental issue, mental disorder, behavioral issues, mental growth-related problems etc. Ultimately a person visiting to a psychologist is looked by society with suspicious mind.
Whereas the reality is that Psychological Counselling is a therapeutic process, just like any other medical treatment we look for i.e. for fever, cold, stomach pain, headache, toothache etc. Where a physician is understanding your physical issues and limitations, analyze them and prescribes you with certain medicine. Exactly in same manner, in counselling process the psychologist or counselor, help individuals, family or group to identify, analyze and address various emotional, sentimental, mental and behavioral issues.
Counselling is widely used and very helpful to address the issues including of stress, anxiety, depression, frustration, it also helps people to come out of poor study habits, exam related fears, relationship problems, parenting issues, pre and post marital matter, Life conflicts, Job- & business-related stress, trauma, grief, poor self-esteem, confidence building, stage fear and various social adjustment issues etc. The goal of psychologist is to provide support, guidance and confidence by understanding the limiting factors, undertaking detailed analysis and by working out feasible therapies or strategies so as people can develop better coping-up strength, take own decisions, make positive changes, enhance their overall performance.
Best part of counselling is that in the process a person can share all concerning issues including personal with confidence and confidentiality, which at times he / she may not be able to share with others. Basis such true inputs given and with due analysis the counsellor provides total clarity, confidence and courage to handle life challenges at their own.
Oflate, there has been some positive changes and, in several metros, where life is very fast and people are on run. People have started visiting psychologist / counsellor for certain life challenges be it for kids, elder people, job issues etc. However, the happiness and real success would be only when the people accept counselling psychology without any suspicion and fearlessly as part of life just like other medical treatment across the country.
Dr. Dharmendra Solanki
Counselling Psychologist & Life Coach