In medical science today, the Mind-Body theory or influence of mind over body and vice versa has gained tremendous ground. It is being recognized as stated by WHO, that health is not merely the absence of disease, but rather a complete physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of the individual. Therefore, to adopt a holistic approach towards treatment of the patient, the patient's attitude, life style, coping techniques all have to be understood and the patient has to be helped out as and when required. Here is the role of counselling in a hospital/clinical set up.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. What do we mean by medical counselling?
Q. Who is a candidate for counselling?
Q. What benefits/changes are noticed in patients undergoing counselling?
Q. How many sessions of counselling are required for a client?
Q. Is counselling a substitute for medication?
Q. What do we mean by medical counselling?
Counselling is a one to one interactive process between the client and counsellor, where the client can freely express her / his problem, emotions and feeling in an understanding and supportive environment. The client is also helped to examine and understand his / her attitudes, behavior and achieve a better understanding of self.
Here , the client is assured of 100% confidentiality. It is also called psychotherapy / the talking cure.
Q. Who is a candidate for counselling?
- Anybody suffering from stress can avail counselling. At times, the person under stress can not recognize that he is under stress, and is referred for counselling by the physician.
- Any person suffering from a chronic illness e.g. - Cancer, Heart disease and needs to cope with changes in life style, diet, work routine etc. needs counselling as a supportive therapy.
- Patients suffering from depression needs counselling. As a result of the disease depressive patients suffer from loneliness, lack of will power, low self esteem and confidence as well as have suicidal ideas. Therefore depressive patients must undergo counselling.
- Persons suffering from psychosomatic disease, such as certain types of migraine, ulcers, eczema, breathing difficulties needs counselling to tackle the stress underlying the manifestation of the disease.
- Persons having interpersonal problems needs counselling.
- Children suffering from behavior problems need counselling. Parental counselling is an important aspect of child counselling.
Q. What benefits/changes are noticed in patients undergoing counselling?
Counselling is a process of establishing trust and a good rapport between the client (patient) and counsellor. After a few sessions of counselling, it is expected, that the client would have:
- a better understanding of self / self acceptance.
- behavioral / attitudinal changes.
- better problem solving.
- better personal adjustment.
Q. How many sessions of counselling are required for a client?
This depends on the type of problem the client comes with. However, on an average, a client may need 5-6 sessions, which may have to be repeated after sometime.
Q. Is counselling a substitute for medication?
No, counselling is carried on alongside with medication. The combined treatment proves to be beneficial to the patient.
Patients suffering from a common problem and their families get together under the guidance of a counsellor and derive a lot of support / strength from each other, in the knowledge that they are not alone in their problem. Each member of the group can voice his / her problem, and find solutions within the group.
Patients suffering from chronic ailments are best suited for group therapy.
