You can book the first appointment via text message, citing the reference of mode of referral [friend/ colleague/ relative/ doctor/ social media/ internet search]. You should inform appointment preference for in-person session or online session. The first session payment needs to be done in advance, details of which will be available once you text. Sessions are usually once a week.
A: Psychotherapy/ Counselling, in general terms, is about collaborating with a Mental Health Professional in an effort to bring about emotional and behavioral change. At Phoenix Psychometric, we believe that effective therapy includes a thorough evaluation, the development of a firm therapeutic relationship, and the process of integrating our clinical knowledge and expertise for your unique needs.
People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, psychotherapy can help. Psychotherapy can provide support, problem-solving skills and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, trauma and body image issues. People seeking psychotherapy create greater awareness in their lives leading to increased productivity and happiness.
Each case is different and needs customised approach. For some cases we may begin counselling from second session, while for some cases we may do psychological assessments which may take one to two sessions after the first consultation. At the end of the first consultation, we will provide you with our initial impressions and recommendations on how to go ahead. If we recommend psychotherapy, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan, including goals and approximate time frames. Sometimes an individual’s primary concerns or symptoms are not within our area of expertise. If this happens, we will refer you to another professional who can help. At any point of time, feel free to gain clarity by asking your doubts to the Therapist.
We view psychotherapy as a partnership from the very beginning. The initial appointment involves a detailed assessment to understand you and your situation, current problems, background, your strengths and resources in order to develop an appropriate plan for treatment. Our aim is to help you feel comfortable and safe to openly talk about your concerns. Usually, each session goes for 50 minutes. As it is an information gaining session, Counselling is seldom done in first session.
This is a reasonable question and difficult to predict. Research shows that the duration of therapy is variable and can be influenced by the specific therapy interventions used, the strength of the relationship with your therapist, as well as factors specific to you. These other factors may include your goals, personal characteristics, the nature, severity, chronicity, and complexity of the problem(s) you are experiencing, external factors like social support and the extent to which you actively engage in the treatment and how comfortable you are with making changes.
Depending on your specific needs and goals, therapy can be short duration, for a specific issue, or for long duration, to deal with recurrent life patterns or your desire for more in-depth personal growth. Duration is based on number of issues faced, regularity and consistent cooperation from client with your therapist for the process of healing. Therapy is a collaborative process and your progress and goals will be discussed during the course of healing.
The follow – up frequency of sessions will be determined and based on your situation. During the time between sessions, it is beneficial to think about and process things discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.