Usually this question is asked when someone feels they already need some kind of help, but aren't sure if their problems are either normal, will go away, or are
capable of self-solution. Perhaps you have tried to fix things on your own, but that hasn't worked. It may be difficult to talk with those around you about what is
troubling you.
Generally, it is observed that people will live with a lot of pain before they seek help from someone. However, going to see a therapist is a sign of personal strength and wisdom, recognition of the importance you give to yourself and your well-being. The stigma of seeking psychological help is unfortunately part of what we are typically taught in the Indian society, but
in therapy, you will find acceptance, as well as the help you desire.
What kind of peoples' issues will benefit from therapy ?
Parenting techniques/Single parents/Teen and child issues
Alternate sexual orientation
Depression/anxiety/panic attacks
Feelings of inferiority / alienation / loneliness
Adult survivors of incest, physical, emotional or mental abuse
Cross-cultural therapy
Job stress or burnout/Professional Vision
Life transition issues:
Ageing / death, Chronic / sudden illness
Relocating, career / job changes
Spiritual / Metaphysical queries
All mental disorders(D/O) classified under DSM IV:
Clinical disorders such as Schizophrenia and other Psychotic disorders
Mood/Anxiety D/O
Sexual/Gender identity D/O
Substance Related D/O
Eating/Sleep D/O
Personality D/O and Mental Retardation
What would individual therapy be like?
I work in a non-directive manner. We start by
addressing what it is that is troubling you, or if you can't pinpoint it, we start with whatever is on your mind. It might seem awkward to be talking to a stranger, but there are many benefits. You are not required to worry about my needs, and my responses will be accepting, interested and non-controlling. You will be encouraged to let me know if ever I feel otherwise to you. My job will be to recognize your uniqueness and understand your dilemmas. As you are moved to open up
more, we will collaborate in finding meaning in what you share, and in doing so, uncover what is authentic, creative, joyful and loving inside of you.
Do you provide couples therapy?
I work with couples, both married and not, who are struggling with issues of intimacy, jealousy, commitment, anger, and trust. I usually have evening hours, as often one or both partners work. My orientation is to increase understanding of the couple's relationship patterns, and decrease destructive (but all-too-human) tendencies to focus on
blame and guilt. My work with individuals in a relationship is non-judgmental. There is no
relationship that is not without its problems. I have found that working with couples to achieve better understanding, better communications, and acceptable expectations can profoundly affect the quality of the relationship.
Do you work with families ?
Yes. Working with families is challenging yet extremely
rewarding at the same time. One of the primary support system in our culture, the family, can be a shelter from the harshness of the outside world. Yet, for many people, family life is wrought with disappointment. I believe that family life can be much richer and more rewarding when one
learns something about family dynamics - how families work, how they get stuck,and how to get them unstuck.
How would I get started ?
A consultation can assist you in determining whether
counseling might be useful for you. We will explore your present situation, needs, questions, and concerns about therapy. We will come to understand whether it would be appropriate for you to enter therapy at this time, and if so what kind of therapy.
How do I choose a therapist ?
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. From
my standpoint, a therapist should be professional, honest, easy to understand, non-judgmental, and non-punitive. There may be some special quality or characteristic you desire in a therapist.
Give feedback to your therapist, and see how you feel about the dialogue that ensues. The quality of the feedback from the therapist, the safety he or she provides, will probably go a long way in helping you decide whether that therapist is right for you or not.
How do I determine if a therapist is well qualified ?
When selecting a therapist, choose one that has an advanced degree and specialization in the field (Master, Ph.D., MD) in the field of mental health and therapy. Check out there credentials and references carefully. India (unlike most Western countries in the world) currently has no licensure requirements for therapy practice - extra caution should therefore be exercised when selecting a counselor.
How long will I need to be in therapy or counseling ?
The length of therapy is determined by a number of
factors, including the needs of the client, the assessment by the therapist of the client's needs, the ability of the client to attend treatment, financial considerations, the amount of time the problems have persisted, etc. Sometimes all it takes is one session to gain perspective on problems and develop ideas on how to get back on track. Longer treatments occur for
a variety of reasons, including anything from serious mental illness to more intensive, self-examining personality change and self-awareness.
How much does therapy cost?
Counseling or therapy compares well with the price of
other important services and personal needs -- auto repairs, health club memberships, dental work, etc. In my opinion, therapy is a bargain for those who need or want to substantially change their lives. Therapy is an investment in you. It offers the opportunity to change old patterns or gain control over the problems that pursue you.
In which location are services available ?
Currently I am only providing therapy or counseling services in the city of Mumbai, India.
Is E-counseling ie counseling sessions over the internet an option ?
E-counseling should not be compared with person to person psychotherapy or counseling and is not a substitute for either modality. It is generally discouraged as a regular practice but can be incorporated depending on certain circumstances. Please contact me directly if you would like this to be a consideration.
What is your general approach when working with people ?
I hold a transpersonal viewpoint, which assumes that the
body, mind, and spirit work toward creating wholeness.
I view life as a personal and spiritual journey that is often fraught with difficulties. You bring to therapy your unique situation and system of beliefs. My job as a therapist is to help you identify and remove the obstacles holding you back in the on-going journey of your life. Many of the problems and negative feelings
we experience in life are not because of the adverse circumstances outside of us. Instead, problems can often be redefined as the way we interpret these events and how we emotionally respond to them. I help you to evaluate the choices that you are making and to let go
of the ones that bring pain and misery. Therapy works because of one simple premise: You want peace and happiness over pain and misery. But you can't choose peace and happiness until you see clearly what you are doing to yourself.
What are the topics currently being researched by
transpersonal psychologists?
Among the topics currently being explored by transpersonal psychologists are:
Experiences of love.
Empathy
Creativity and inspiration
Channeling
Transpersonal Art
Altered states of consciousness
Dream consciousness
Mind-body relationship
Psychedelic experience
Mystical experiences
Spiritual emergencies and crises
The Dark Night of the Soul
Archetypal experiences
Near-death experiences, death and dying
The psychology of meditation
Practice and experience within Eastern and Western religious and esoteric traditions
Buddhist psychology
Ecological consciousness
Psychology of Self and self-realisation
The Higher Self
Self-transcendence
Male and female perspectives on the transpersonal
Paranormal experiences
Transpersonal approaches in psychotherapy/counselling/education
General Issues:
Relationship difficulties (individual / couples / families)