Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About Therapy

What is Therapy?

Therapy as a process aims at providing a companion and a safe space for their client on their journey of self-exploration and healing.

It helps one gain clarity about their life situation, understand themselves and their values better, process difficult emotions, make behavioral changes and experience catharsis by uninhibited expression of emotions.

Do I need therapy?

Therapy aims at providing a safe, accepting and non-judgemental space for clients to explore themselves, process difficult emotions and traumatic life experiences, improve interpersonal relationships, learn positive coping skills, grow and self-actualise.

If you find yourself seeking any or all of this, you could seek out professional help.

Are my problems serious enough for therapy?

One might find themselves feeling hesitant about seeking professional help in relation to their mental health because of the stigma attached to it. They might find it ‘weak’ to do so, and even discredit their pain by comparing themselves to others who have it much worse.

It’s important to note that your feelings are valid and deserve acknowledgement and expression.

Therapy isn’t just for people experiencing serious issues, but aims at empowering individuals experiencing different kinds of challenges in their lives. It promotes healing, growth, personal development, independence and positive coping skills.

Can I choose to discontinue therapy at any time?

Yes. Any client may voluntarily cease to continue therapy at any time, and may

choose to return to therapy at any time. However, it is recommended that you

inform your therapist beforehand if you are considering discontinuing therapy. This

will allow for proper termination of the therapeutic alliance.

How do I know if my therapist is not right for me?

For the therapeutic process to be effective, it is important that there is a good

therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the client. Clients are encouraged to

have at least 3 sessions with a therapist, before assessing whether or not they are

right for them.

However, if you experience that you are not able to fully express yourself in

sessions, do not feel heard/understood, or do not find your therapist to be

compatible with you, it is recommended that you directly address this with your

therapist. Clarify your expectations to your therapist and speak to him/her about

any lack you are experiencing in your relationship. You may then work on these

issues together, bearing in mind that like all other relationships, it takes

communication and trust to build a strong therapeutic alliance.

Following this, if you still feel that your therapist is not right for you, you may decide

to try working with another therapist. At Gulmohar, we have 4 therapists who might

potentially be a good fit for you.

What does the process of therapy look like?

As the process of therapy is unique to every individual, it looks different for different people. Some may experience it as an unraveling of sorts, unlearning and re-learning, while for others it may be like finding a needle in a haystack, and for some it may appear like closed doors finally opening up.

To see a visual depiction of what the process of therapy can look like, click here.

What is group therapy? What are its benefits?

Group therapy is therapy offered in a group context, usually by two therapists, to ensure equitable care and attention to each client. Working in groups has many perceived benefits. You can read our blog on Group Therapy and its Benefits to know more.

Gulmohar Services & Policy

How do I book a session?

For Individual Counselling sessions, you will have to create an account with us. Once you have made an account, you can proceed to check out our therapists and select with whom you wish to begin counselling. You can pick a slot depending on your need and the counsellor’s availability.

Once selected, it will lead you to a payment gateway, and once payment is made, your booking will confirmed.

Why do I need to register?

So that we can make your experience at Gulmohar smooth and easy. Your Gulmohar account will help you book sessions with the therapist of your choice, as well as keep a track of your progress.

How will my personal information be used?

Any personal information (email-id, phone number etc.) here will only be used to provide and maintain our service; prevent and address issues, and to clarify contractual consent.

How do I know my booking is confirmed?

Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an online receipt and a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number.

What do I do if my payment is stuck?

We are sorry if you are experiencing this. Do proceed to reach out to our customer care by emailing us at [email protected] with the issue you are facing. We will then respond to your issue in 24-48 hours and attempt to rectify it the best we can.

What is the cancellation policy?

The client needs to inform their therapist 24 hours in advance in case of cancellation of session, following which 50% of the session fee will be refunded to the client.

In the rare case that the therapist needs to cancel a session, he/she may inform the client at least 24 hours in advance, following which the session will be rescheduled.

Note: In case the client is late for a session, time cannot be extended beyond that

which is already scheduled.

Ethics and Practice

Can I be friends with my therapist?

No, you cannot be friends with your therapist. Ethical guidelines dictate that the client-counsellor alliance cannot have dual relationship, i.e. a person cannot be your therapist and your friend at the same time, and vice-versa.

At what time can I reach out to my therapist?

Your therapist will allot a designated time and medium of contact when you contact your therapist.

This would also depend on your therapist as each of them have different working styles.

Nonetheless, emergency protocols will be set with the therapist when you begin sessions.

Will my therapist share my information with anyone else?

Confidentiality is an important aspect of therapeutic relationship. All therapists are ethically and legally obliged to keep all client information to themselves.

A therapist might seek supervision for a client case, upon which anonymity of the client will be assured.

All client records are protected.

You may find more on this in the informed consent form which will be given to you once you book a session.

Is my therapist qualified?

All the therapists at Gulmohar hold a MSc. in Counselling Psychology, a degree that qualifies them as Counselling Psychologists fit to take sessions.

They have been trained for two years in the ethics and practice of individual and group therapy, and continue to seek education and specialized training.

Another way they assure qualified practice is by taking personal therapy and receiving supervision from certified supervisors.