A healing touch for mind

Despite having its roots in the Indian culture, ‘therapy’ as a healing mechanism has come to be surrounded by a plethora of myths and taboo

- Dr Era Dutta

I am a 25-year-old working professional. I have been meaning to start therapy for a while but am quite unsure about how and what it entails. I do not have any ‘traumatic’ or ‘big issues’ but many of my friends have said they benefited from therapy, so I was curious to see how it fits into my self-growth. What should I be prepared for?

What is therapy?

Therapy or psychotherapy are often used interchangeably. The word stems from the Greek expression ‘psyche’ meaning mind or soul, and ‘therapeia’ which means to heal or treat.

Therapy is a broad umbrella term that refers to various therapeutic techniques that help improve one’s mental, emotional, and psychological well-being and overall functioning.

During regular sessions, the therapist works with the individual (client) to identify their concerns and develop strategies to address the same. Through this process, individuals can gain greater insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and develop skills and techniques to cope with the challenges they face in their lives. Some individuals can also develop better introspection and focus on getting rid of maladaptive coping skills (e.g., nail biting, drinking, binge-eating).

Is it only a Western concept?