Nikita Verma’s Post

Therapy vs. Chatting with Friends: What's the Real Deal? Hey LinkedIn fam! Let's dive a bit deeper into the fascinating world of mental health support, shall we? Straight from a clinical therapist - Prerna Mishra! Therapy: Picture this — you've got a dedicated space where it's all about YOU. You spill your guts, your dreams, your fears, and you're met with focused, non-judgmental listening. Therapists are like emotional Sherpas, guiding you through the rocky terrain of life with their expertise. It's a safe haven to explore your thoughts and feelings, without the pressure of reciprocation. Friends/Fam: Ah, the squad! They're the best, right? When you're feeling down, they're there with memes, ice cream, and endless chats. Their support is priceless because it's wrapped in love and familiarity. But let's be real — they might not have a professional degree in psychology (unless they do, in which case, score!), so their advice might be more personal than professional. They've got your back, but sometimes a neutral perspective can be gold. So, what's the verdict? Both are essential! Therapy provides that structured, expert-guided journey into understanding yourself better. Friends and family offer that warm, personal touch that only loved ones can provide. The key? Balance. Mix and match to create your own mental health support dream team! 🙌 #TherapyTalks #FriendshipGoals #BalanceIsKey

Last week, we talked about what to look for in a therapist, and once you find the right fit, you might be wondering what happens next. Taking that first step to seek therapy is a big deal, and it's normal to feel a mix of emotions—anxiety, curiosity, maybe even excitement. But knowing what to expect can help ease some of those nerves. 1. A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: Your therapist’s office (or virtual setting) is a space where you can speak freely. Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are all valid, and this session is designed to be a place where you can share them without fear of judgment. 2. Getting to Know You: The first session often involves a lot of questions. Your therapist will want to understand your background, what brings you to therapy, and what you hope to achieve. This is your chance to share your story and begin to form a connection. 3. Setting Goals Together: Therapy is a collaborative process. You and your therapist will likely discuss what success looks like for you and set some initial goals. Remember, these goals can evolve over time as you make progress. 4. Expect to Feel Uncertain: It’s okay if you leave the first session with mixed feelings. Therapy is a journey, and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure after your first appointment. Give yourself time to reflect on the experience. 5. Confidentiality: Rest assured, everything you discuss in therapy remains confidential. Your therapist is there to support you, and they are bound by strict confidentiality rules. What you share in your session stays between you and your therapist. Remember, therapy is about finding what works best for you. So, whether you feel relief, uncertainty, or even a bit overwhelmed after your first session, know that you’re on the right path. Embrace the process, and trust that you’re investing in what matters most—your mental health. #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #TrustTheProcess

Therapists seeking therapy? Some reflective take on it. Usually, therapists are seen as oddly perfect beings particularly when it comes to their emotional regulation. Well here’s the truth. No, therapists don’t have it all figured as well. As humans we’ve all got a certain way through our highs and lows. When I initially started the supervision, I remember my supervisor asking me if I have personally been a part of therapeutic process? Have I been in client’s chair? It definitely sparked some reflections at that time too. 🛋️ As a mental health professional, seeking therapy for oneself adds to the empathic understanding for our clients. 🛋️ Yes, therapists may have more insights but sometimes you may need a professional to help you further with it. 🛋️ As somebody who works on humanistic line, self actualisation can be seen as being aware about one’s identity and peculiarities. Rather than having it all figured out. 🛋️ A therapist seeking therapy, professionally would also learn along the lines of practice and would individually serve better. 🛋️ It helps deal with burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. As a psychologist, I feel grateful to be part of a community that holds empathetic space and mental health resources readily available for everyone around. What are your thoughts on it? Would love to hear from you.🤍 #therapisttotherapist #mentalhealthcircle #mentalhealthcommunity #mentalhealthawareness #breakingstigma #nomorestigma #emotionalregulation #learningaboutoneself #selfawareness #selfactualisation

Getting into therapy is a huge and courageous decision; however, the first few sessions can be quite overwhelming. Well, opening up to a stranger can feel scary, especially for shy people. So, what can you do? Few things to talk about in the first session if you are confused: First of all, if you have difficulty opening up and expressing yourself, then you are not alone. Secondly, it is very common for people to come to therapy and be unsure about what they want to talk about and what they want to address in the first session. So, you are not alone!! In the first few sessions, the therapist will ask you questions related to your reason for coming to therapy, your expectations, your last therapy experience (if any), and the issues you are currently facing in life. And to help them know you better, you have to open up. You might find it hard to know where to start and how to begin the conversation. But you don’t have to feel pressured to share everything at once. You can start opening up slowly and steadily. Here are a few things you can talk about in the first session if you are not sure where to start. -Talk about small issues in your life; you don’t have to open up about your deep, serious issues in the first session itself. -You can talk about your present mood and how you have felt in the last few days or weeks. -Talk about your relationships; not just your romantic relationships, but all your relationships. -You can talk about the new challenges in your life that have somehow affected your mental health. -You can also talk about the observations of your family and friends regarding your behaviour. Your first therapy session can feel overwhelming, but do not let it scare you. You might have to answer a lot of questions in the first few sessions, and you may feel emotionally drained after that, but you must realize that the therapist needs to know all those things to help you better. It will take some time until you feel comfortable with your therapist, but until then, you can take advantage of the above topics to keep your therapy sessions going. #mentalhealth #therapy #therapist

Today, let’s chat about something truly transformative—taking that initial step into therapy with a free 15 minute consult. 🛋️ Deciding to start therapy can feel daunting, but a free 15 minute consultation, that some therapists offer, can be a powerful beginning. It’s a safe space where you can express yourself without judgment, and it sets the foundation for your healing journey. Here’s a few reasons why taking that first step is so beneficial: 1. **Initial Connection:** It provides an opportunity for the therapist and the potential client to meet and establish an initial connection. This initial contact can help both parties gauge comfort levels and determine if they can communicate effectively.🎯 2. **Answering Questions:**It allows potential clients to ask questions about the therapy process, confidentiality, session frequency, duration, and any other concerns they may have. This helps in making an informed decision about starting therapy. 3. ** Therapeutic Fit:** This consult is a chance for both the therapist and the client to determine if they are a good fit for each other. Compatibility is essential for effective therapy, including matching therapeutic styles, personalities, and the therapist’s expertise with the client’s issues.🤝 4. **Empowerment:** Just making the appointment is an act of courage and a big step towards self-care and empowerment. You’re taking control of your mental health, and that’s something to be proud of. 💪 If you’ve been on the fence about whether therapy is right for you, consider an initial consultation as a no-pressure way to explore your options. Remember, this is about you and for you. You deserve to feel your best! For more information on the benefits of a consultation, or more self-help tips, please visit https://lnkd.in/eQn56BnN and go to the section for Self-Help Tips Has anyone else had a transformative experience from their first therapy session? Share your stories below to inspire others! 💬 #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyJourney #SelfCare #Healing #PersonalGrowth #FirstStep #Empowerment

Have you ever found yourself intrigued by the mysteries of therapy, or perhaps frustrated by the misconceptions surrounding it? Yeah, me too 😔 But let me tell you, as someone who's been doing this for a while, it's high time we straightened things out. 👉 Myth 1: Only "Crazy" or Severely Disturbed People Go to Therapy You know, one of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that it's only for people who are struggling or on the verge of a breakdown. But the truth is that therapy is for everyone. It's not just about fixing big problems; it's also about getting support for everyday challenges and striving for personal growth. 👉 Myth 2: Therapy is Only for Weak People Who Can't Handle Their Problems Alone It's a myth that therapy is for the weak. In fact, seeking therapy is a testament to your strength. It's like going to the gym for your mind, a proactive step towards a healthier mental state. After all, we don't consider people weak for wanting to be physically fit, do we? 👉 Myth 3: Therapy is Just Talking About the Past and Dwelling on Negative Emotions You might think therapy is just about digging up old wounds and wallowing in negativity, but that's not the whole story. We might explore past experiences, but we always focus on moving forward. It's about understanding how the past shapes the present and finding ways to create a brighter future. 👉 Myth 4: Therapists Sit There and Listen, Offering No Practical Solutions Ever heard the joke about therapists being glorified listeners? There's a bit of truth to it, but it's not the whole picture. Therapists listen a lot, but we also offer practical and professional tools, strategies and insights to help you tackle your challenges head-on. It's a collaborative process aimed at finding solutions that work for you. By clearing up these myths, I want to show you that therapy is something you can easily access; it's empowering, and it's pretty cool. Let's break down those barriers and start talking about mental health. Share this reel, and let's make a difference together! With warmth, Mita Your healing companion🌸 #therapymyths #therapyfacts #therapistsofinstagram #mentalhealthexpert #traumatherapist #relationshiptherapy #personaldevelopment

Embarking on a therapy journey is a significant step toward mental health and well-being. How do you choose the right therapist, one who aligns with your needs and values? Share your tips! First up - therapy is an invaluable resource for self-regulation, self-understanding and navigating the ups and downs of daily life. Here are a few insights to consider: DEFINE YOUR NEEDS: Clearly outline what you're seeking in therapy - if you can describe this well, you are more likely to get the outcome you are looking for. Before I book a session with a potential client I ALWAYS speak to them first. And I ask them this - If I could help you, what would that look like and how will you know I have achieved it. Then I make a decision about whether I can deliver on that expectation. If I believe I can, then the call progresses to booking the first session. RESEARCH & CREDENTIALS: Look into therapists' backgrounds and specialties. This is so important. You want to be confident that the therapist you choose has the skills to help you. You may need to have a chat first. If they say they don't do that - I recommend you keep looking. COMPATIBILITY: Consider the therapeutic approach they provide and ensure it resonates with you. This is another reason why I chat with potential clients before I book their first session. If how I work doesn't work for my potential client, it is simply a definite no from my part. I will often say to someone on this call - I am not the right person for you because I don't provide what you are looking for. If I know someone who does - I will refer them. TRUST YOUR GUT: If it feels right, it probably is. THIS IS KEY!!! It goes both ways, too. As a therapist you have to trust your gut as well. You are a sovereign being and you get to choose who you work with. Checking your gut is the best method of determining if someone is the right person to help you or indeed if you are the right person to help them. I don't hesitate to trust my gut on deciding if I want to work with someone. What's your advice for choosing the right therapist? Share your thoughts in the comments! Let's support each other on our therapy journeys. 💬 #ChoosingATherapist #TherapyJourney #MentalHealthSupport #AreekeerA

🌟 Respond, Don’t React 🌟 As a psychotherapist, I often emphasize the importance of responding rather than reacting in our interactions. Reacting is instinctual, often driven by emotions, and can lead to impulsive behavior. On the other hand, responding involves thoughtfulness, reflection, and consideration of the situation before taking action. By cultivating the habit of responding, we can navigate challenges with greater clarity and effectiveness, promoting healthier relationships and personal growth. Setting Boundaries 🛑 Boundaries are essential for maintaining our well-being and fostering healthy connections with others. As a psychotherapist , I encourage my clients to establish clear boundaries to protect their emotional and mental health. Boundaries can include limits on time, energy, and emotional investment in relationships, as well as asserting personal needs and preferences. Remember, setting boundaries is not selfish; it’s an act of self-care and self-respect. By honoring our boundaries, we create space for authentic connections and cultivate healthier dynamics in our relationships. #RespondNotReact #HealthyBoundaries #PsychologistInsights 🧠💬

How NOT to look for Therapist (A personal story) 2021 was the darkest period in my life,so much so that I decided to see a therapist, and it turned out to be a BIG mistake. One morning, I woke up with a sudden emptiness in my head and stomach. This void was so deafening,I cried for hours. Allow me to explain what I meant by 'Emptiness' -Weird churning in the Stomach -Increased Heartbeat🩺 -A sudden surge in Anxiety. I shared my symptoms with my close friend She suggested, I consult a therapist. A bit reluctant at first, I finally gave in. Got through a really popular website to look for a therapist and chose the WORST one! and the learnt major life lessons Here are my 3 tips on How NOT to look for a Therapist: 1. Don’t go cheap: Invest in a good therapist. Your mental health deserves quality care. 2. Always read reviews: Reviews offer insights into others' experiences and help you avoid poor choices. 3. Do your research: Take time to learn about potential therapists' credentials, specialties, and approaches to therapy. Your Therapist is someone you'll be sharing your deepest emotions with. You want to choose someone who understands you and can help you. Don't make my mistake - take your time and find the right therapist for you and also let me know once you do.(I'm still looking for a good therapist) Do you believe in Therapy? You got Dthis. 📍Follow Diksha Patel 🤍Like the post ♻️Repost to your network 💭Comment #content #therapy #mentalhealth

Creative Mental Health Interventions - what do we at Svaha Space mean when we say that this is the lens through which we see and deliver our therapeutic process? We work with persons going through distress as someone who's mind AND body are engaged in that distress. We actively work on employing art, movement, breath, drama, stories, poetry, music, creative expression, and imagination while we work on the issues our clients bring in. Many ask the question: do I have to be artistic to engage in this form of psychotherapy? The simple answer is, No. There is no pressure on our clients and participants to have to possess any sort of extra quality to want to engage in this way of working on ourselves. As creative arts therapists, we work with our clients' comfort levels; which means, if the client is only comfortable with sitting and talking, we sit and talk; but maybe, during that process we engage with imagination and stories. "It sounds like this is a modality only for children. Right?" Again, the simple answer is No. Tell me of a person who doesn't like a good story, or a person who doesn't imagine possibilities. Tell me of a person who doesn't have a hobby or interest where they experience joy, or a person who doesn't inherently enjoy a sense of playfulness. And when has art and creativity, ever taken away from "serious work". Often, we find that art and creativity lie within the most grounding, connecting, healing and revolutionary practices for the self and the community. We have always measured a culture's conscience and advancement by the creativity and art they engage in, and we study human development within art and creativity when it comes to the evolutionary space, and in civilizations that once stood tall. So would you respond to creativity and the arts in therapy? If you are a living, breathing being, you most definitely would. It is in your DNA. Follow us on instagram: @svahaspace_therapy Shravanthi Venkatesh #creativity #psychotherapy #dramatherapy #creativeartstherapies #art #artpsychotherapy #traumawork #depthwork #dancetherapy #movement #therapists #creativeartstherapists #dramatherapists #expressiveartstherapies #expressiveartspractitioners #mentalhealthindia