Mental Health Counselling 101: What it is, How it Works, and Its Benefits
In recent years, mental health awareness has gained significant momentum globally, and India is no exception.
According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, nearly 15% of Indian adults suffer from various mental health issues. And this was back in 2015.
With the urban population grappling with increasingly fast-paced lifestyles laced with increasing levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, the number is far greater in the present.
Despite these staggering statistics, mental health still remains a topic shrouded in stigma, preventing many from seeking the help they need. As a result, mental health counselling has emerged as a critical service in addressing these issues, offering professional support and guidance to those in need.
What is Mental Health Counseling?
Mental health or mental illness counselling involves a collaborative effort between a counsellor and a client to improve the client’s mental health.
This therapeutic relationship is built on trust, empathy, and confidentiality, which allows individuals to express their thoughts and feelings openly.
Counselors use various techniques to help clients understand their issues, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes in their lives.
Types of Mental Health Counseling
Counselling can be provided in many forms based on which area of life you’re seeking improvement in. Here are some common types:
- Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions where the counsellor focuses on the client’s specific needs and concerns.
- Group Counseling: Involves multiple clients who share similar issues, providing support and perspective from peers.
- Family Counseling: Addresses issues within the family dynamic, helping improve communication and resolve conflicts.
- Couples Counseling: Assists partners in resolving relationship issues and improving their bond.
Career Counseling: Guides individuals in making informed career choices, dealing with job stress, and finding work-life balance.
Difference Between Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Mental Health Counseling
While both forms aim to improve mental well-being, clinical mental health counselling is more specialised.
Clinical mental health counsellors typically work with clients who have more severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. They often collaborate with psychiatrists or other medical professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication.
In contrast, general mental health counselling might address a wider range of everyday life issues, such as stress management, time management, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem.
Benefits of Mental Health Counselling
Mental health counselling offers numerous benefits, including:
- Emotional Support: Provides a safe space to express emotions and receive empathetic support.
- Improved Mental Health: Helps reduce symptoms of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression.
- Enhanced Coping Skills: Teaches strategies to manage stress and navigate life’s challenges effectively.
- Personal Growth: Facilitates self-discovery and helps clients achieve their personal and professional goals.
Better Relationships: Improves communication skills and strengthens interpersonal relationships.
Different Therapies in Mental Health Counselling
Mental health counselling utilises various therapeutic approaches to achieve the pre-determined goals, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness strategies to manage emotions.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores past experiences to understand current behaviour and emotional issues.
- Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualisation.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Uses mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga to promote mental well-being.
This list is in no way exhaustive. The therapy or technique used depends greatly upon your situation and needs. Also, psychology is a continuously evolving field, with new techniques and interventions being developed every few months or years.
What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?
A mental health counsellor will accompany and guide you throughout your mental health journey. As such, their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks aimed at providing comprehensive care.
Initially, they conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the client’s mental health through interviews, questionnaires, and psychological tests.
Based on these evaluations, they develop tailored treatment plans that align with the client’s specific needs and goals. Regular therapy sessions are conducted to address issues, work through challenges, and monitor progress.
Counsellors offer immediate intervention in times of crisis to provide support and stabilisation. Additionally, they educate clients and their families about mental health issues and effective coping strategies.
When necessary, counsellors refer clients to other mental health professionals or community resources to ensure that they receive the most appropriate and holistic care possible.
Common Issues Addressed in Mental Health Counselling
Mental illness counselling can address a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety and Stress: Managing excessive worry and stress-related problems.
- Depression: Alleviating symptoms of depression and improving mood.
- Relationship Issues: Resolving conflicts and improving communication in relationships.
- Trauma and PTSD: Helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
- Substance Abuse: Supporting recovery from addiction and preventing relapse.
Grief and Loss: Assisting clients in coping with loss and bereavement.
What Happens During a Mental Illness Counselling Session?
During a typical counselling session, several key steps are followed to ensure effective and personalised support.
Initially, the counsellor conducts an assessment to gather comprehensive information about the client’s history, current issues, and therapy goals. Together, they set achievable goals that guide the therapeutic process.
The counsellor then employs various therapeutic techniques to explore and resolve issues properly, all tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Between sessions, clients may be assigned homework tasks to reinforce the skills and insights gained during therapy.
Regular progress reviews are conducted to monitor the client’s development and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Mental Health Counseling With Faculty Minds
We at Faculty Minds are at the forefront of providing comprehensive mental health counselling services. Faculty Minds focuses on delivering personalised care through a team of experienced mental health therapists who are experts at addressing a wide range of mental health issues.
They offer various types of counselling, including individual, group, and family therapy, ensuring that clients receive the support they need in a format that works best for them.
We emphasise a holistic approach to mental health, integrating different therapeutic modalities to create a customised treatment plan for you. Our services are designed to help individuals achieve mental wellness and lead fulfilling lives.
So, if you’re looking for the best mental health counselling in Mumbai, contact us right away and begin your journey of mental health transformation.
