HEALTH SPECIAL................... Talk it Out

Talk it Out

That’s the advice city psychiatrists are doling out to Mumbai’s residents, who are increasingly opting for talk therapy to get through their problems

    Of the many therapies counsellors resort to when it comes to treating the troubled, talk therapy is considered to be one of the most used. Research even shows that it works just as well for the old as for the young and irrespective of gender.

    Says relationship expert Seema Hingorrany, “Talk Therapy helps one to understand his or her feelings better and also voice it out. He or she feels accepted and not judged by the therapist, as the counsellor gives unconditional support and positive regard. Further it also helps the person to uproot any self harming beliefs and negative thought process. ”

WHAT IS IT?

It is an umbrella term used to describe a range of therapies used to treat fundamental conflicts, anxiety, relationship issues and other forms of problems. It is a comprehensive approach to psychological treatment that deals not only with the emotional and behavioural aspects of human disturbance, but places a great deal of focus on its thinking component.

    Says clinical psychologist and relationship counsellor Mimrah Ansari, “Talk Therapy helps those with acute emotional distress voice themselves and release their pain. It may not take your problems completely away, but it will lessen the pain and will make you feel happy and positive about yourself.”

HOW IS IT DONE?

Normally, it is a one-on-one session with the therapist. But at times, depending on the kind of problem you have, sessions are also held in groups or with couples, which is another form of relationship counselling.

THE BENEFITS OF TALK THERAPY

There’s not just one advantage of Talk Therapy. This kind of counselling is used to treat psychological, emotional and professional problems as well.

    With any physical ailments or disabilities: Talk Therapy can also help you if you are suffering from diabetes, heart disease or from any physical problems. Often people feel demotivated and upset about their ailment. This therapy helps one in understanding the shortcomings and also aids in working towards them and leading a healthy and stress-free life.

    For the elderly: This therapy is said to work wonders for the aged. If you have been suffering from a financial crisis or have lost your spouse or have retired and feel lonely on most occasions, you can talk to the therapist and find ways to lead your life happily.

    If you have relationship issues: Couple counselling is considered to be a marriage-saver. Talking to one another with an unbiased therapist mediating helps resolve most problems. It also helps one understand each other in a better way without forming any preconceived notions.

    For family problems:

This therapy helps the entire family discuss their issues together, especially in cases of children with behavioural problems or depression. Apart from this, it also helps one understand the members of the family better and work towards living peacefully together.

    For Anger Management: Says Hingorrany, “Given the sometimes uncontrollable nature of anger, talking therapy is best as it allows one to vent out anger and pain by discussing the issue with the therapist and also figure out ways to handle it without taking any sort of medication.”

Meghna Mukherjee TOI140205