By - Ms. Shruthi Balaji Babar

(Psychologist, The Mind Care, Chennai)

Do you need someone to talk to, or do you need therapy? And how do you know the difference?

When life gets difficult, seeking help can feel confusing enough without having to understand mental health terminology. Here is what you need to know before booking your first session.

1. Counselling and psychotherapy: What is the difference?

Counselling often helps people navigate specific concerns, such as relationship difficulties, career decisions, family conflicts, or adjusting to a life change. It can offer clarity, practical strategies, and support in making decisions.

Psychotherapy (therapy) works towards understanding and changing patterns in thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships that contribute to ongoing difficulties. This may be helpful when the same struggles keep returning or begin affecting everyday life.

The distinction is not absolute. Counselling can explore deeper concerns, and psychotherapy can address specific problems in a relatively short period. The professional's training, approach, and your individual needs matter more than the label alone (American Psychological Association [APA], n.d.).


2. Which one should you choose?

You do not have to diagnose yourself or make this decision alone.

  • Facing a specific problem? Counselling may help you explore your options and work out practical next steps.
  • Finding yourself stuck in recurring patterns? Psychotherapy may help you understand what maintains those patterns and work towards change.
  • Experiencing difficulties that affect your sleep, relationships, work, or daily routine? An initial psychological assessment can help identify the support you need.
  • Not sure what is wrong, but know that something feels off? You can begin with that. You do not need a diagnosis to seek help.

A qualified professional should help you understand the available options rather than expect you to arrive knowing which treatment you need.


3. What actually happens during a session?

A first session is usually about understanding you, not immediately trying to fix everything.

The professional may ask about your current concerns, relevant personal history, relationships, daily functioning, and what you hope to change. Together, you can identify goals and discuss a suitable plan.

Subsequent sessions may involve exploring emotional experiences, recognising patterns, learning coping strategies, practising specific techniques, or reviewing changes in everyday life.

Will you be prescribed medication? Psychologists (M.Sc. or M.phil. or Psy.D or pHd graduate) provide psychological interventions; medication is prescribed by appropriately qualified medical practitioners such as a Psychiatrist (MBBS., MD. graduate). If medication or a psychiatric evaluation may be beneficial, a referral to a psychiatrist can be discussed.

4. How long will therapy take?

There is no fixed number of sessions that works for everyone.

A specific concern may require only a few sessions, while persistent or complex difficulties may need several months or longer. Duration depends on your needs, goals, circumstances, and response to treatment.

Before beginning, ask about session frequency, the estimated duration, fees, and how progress will be reviewed. Therapy should have meaningful goals, with the plan adjusted when needed.

5. With so many types of therapy, how do you know what is right?

You may hear about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and other psychological approaches. They differ in how they understand difficulties and work towards change.

There is no single approach that suits everyone. The choice should consider the concern being addressed, available evidence, the professional's competence, and your preferences.

Before committing, ask:

  • What approach do you use, and why might it help with my concerns?
  • What will sessions involve?
  • How will we assess whether I am making progress?

You should feel heard, understand the purpose of the interventions, and be able to raise questions or concerns. If the approach is not helping, it is reasonable to discuss adjustments or other options.

6. What we do at The Mind Care

At The Mind Care, the team of counselors and therapists offer Brhdhi Vidya The Indian Psychotherapy (BVIP), an approach developed by Dr T. K. Lakshmi that draws on Indian psychological perspectives and integrates mind–body practices.

Depending on individual needs, sessions may incorporate psychological exploration, breathwork, yoga-based practices, and Yoga Nidra to support self-awareness and emotional regulation.

The approach is tailored to the individual rather than applying the same techniques to everyone. Progress is reviewed, and additional assessment or referral is considered when appropriate.

Before you book, remember this.

You do not need to wait until your difficulties become unbearable. Nor do you need to know whether counselling or psychotherapy is the right choice before seeking help.

The right starting point is a professional who listens, explains the process, and helps you find an appropriate way forward.

**The Mind Care offers online and in-person sessions across Chennai in Perungalathur, Porur, OMR, and Vadapalani.**

Reference

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding