Society today, collectively focuses on physical health and attractiveness. Physical health and wellness have paramount significance and proof lies in the sheer number of super speciality doctors- highly qualified to make everything okay. Technicians and beauty salons can work on the minutest scar on the face, align facial features as needed, and make people look much younger. But as Shahrukh Khan says in Dear Zindagi, what about Dimag ka Doctor?
Today, slowly but steadily, there is a visible increase in the number of individuals seeking professional help to stabilize and improve their mental well-being. This is where therapists and counsellors come into the picture. There are conversations about mental health and its positive outcomes which is indicating more people are turning towards therapy to take care of themselves.
To begin with, there are many types of therapies conducted by specialists few of which can be classified as Individual therapy which deals with the personal problems of individuals. Couples therapy predominantly deals with the couples in a relationship and helps to go to the root of any damaging behaviour seen in any partner. Group therapy indicates the nature of cross-functional dynamics to lead the group towards growth and feeling of oneness with similar individuals facing similar crises. Family therapy as a branch of therapy helps families to nurture change and new developments, despite the difficulties. It provides a platform through which families stand on the ground to have open, real discussions.
Needless to say, therapy is important. Its significance can be understood as:
1. Emotional Regulation: Therapy provides a safe space to express emotions without fear of judgment. A therapist listens actively, understands the reason behind the seething emotions and helps the individual regulate them using scientific methods. It is a guided process that slowly leads to an increase in the self-confidence and awareness of the person.
2. Gaining New Perspectives: Therapists are trained to see situations from different angles. They challenge our beliefs, creating personal growth and expanding our understanding of ourselves and others. This shift in perspective can lead to a tremendous change in how we approach challenges or difficulties in life.
3. Developing Coping mechanisms: Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, from relationship issues to loss and trauma. Therapy strengthens us with effective coping strategies curated to our individual needs. Therapy empowers us to build resilience in the face of life.
4. Enhancing Self-awareness: Understanding ourselves deeply is fundamental to personal growth. Therapy encourages introspection and self-awareness, helping us identify our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This awareness not only fosters better decision-making but also strengthens our relationships with others.
5. Managing Mental Health Conditions: For those dealing with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, therapy is often an essential treatment. It provides ongoing support, teaches different skills, and reduces the risk of repetition.
6. Improving Relationships: Healthy relationships are crucial to our well-being but can be complex and challenging. Therapy offers a safe space to explore relational dynamics, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. By fostering deeper connections and understanding, therapy enriches both personal and professional relationships.
7. Enhancing positive traits: Therapists are also trained to see, appreciate and reinforce the positive traits in the individual. Building awareness of the positive traits and harnessing them to enhance the quality of life brings the individual a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.
Conclusion
Therapy is not just for those with visible mental conditions. It is for every individual striving for personal growth, development, and strength. Going for therapy helps us unpack the baggage of the past and start afresh towards a more self-fulfilling, rewarding journey. Ultimately, it provides a safe place, with ensured confidentiality that there is someone to hear us, no matter how big or small the event of life is, and yet, stands as a lighthouse to navigate life’s choppy seas.
