A Beginner's Guide To Therapy (Because It Is A Thing You Can Do)

Think it might be time to talk to someone, but aren’t sure who? Here’s the lowdown on what’s available...

- Jennifer Savin, Jessica Powell, Jenny Everett, And Florence Mitchell

According to WHO, 7.5% of India suffers from some form of mental disorder. And that figure is likely much lower than the stark reality. With hardly any info available, how do you know what the right treatment for you looks like, especially when you’re in the midst of a dark cloud? There are a bunch of treatments out there, so we’ve decoded all that’s on offer before you make the leap. Remember, no matter what route you take, therapists don’t have a magic wand and it’s important to approach the process with a willingness to work if you want to see results. Do your research, then decide what’s best from what’s available...

HYPNOTHERAPY

What is it? Forget swinging pocket watches. Sessions involve being guided into a relaxed state, imagining various scenarios (ranging from those that evoke an extreme response in you to you picturing a ‘safe place’) and listening to suggestions. You’ll remain in full control throughout. “Your hypnotherapist will ease you into focused concentration, similar to meditation, and though people talk of ‘going under’, you won’t be ‘under’ for the whole session,” explains Darren Marks, hypnotherapy instructor for the International Association Of Counselors & Therapists in the US. “It has a wave-like quality—you’ll be absorbed one minute, distracted the next.” By this point, your brain should be more adapted to change.