Psychotherapy and Counselling

What is psychotherapy, and what is counselling?

Both are talk-based treatments delivered by a trained psychologist. Counselling usually means short-term support around a specific problem: a decision, a loss, a conflict, exam or work stress. Psychotherapy is longer and more structured, aimed at patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that keep a condition going, such as the avoidance that maintains anxiety or the rumination that maintains depression.

At Dr Vohra's the first session is an assessment: what you want to change, how the problem shows up day to day, and which approach fits. You and the psychologist then agree on goals and a rough number of sessions.

Which approach is used for what?

CBT is the most studied therapy for depression, anxiety disorders, panic, OCD (as exposure and response prevention) and insomnia. REBT, a close relative of CBT, targets rigid demands and self-rating and is often used for anger and stress. DBT adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance and relationships, and is used where emotions swing hard or self-harm is a risk. Mindfulness-based approaches help with stress, relapse prevention in depression and chronic worry.

The psychologist chooses with you, and the approach can change as therapy progresses.

How long does therapy take?

For a single, well-defined problem, 6 to 12 sessions is common. Anxiety disorders and depression often take 12 to 20. Longer-standing patterns take longer. Most people notice a change within the first four to six sessions; if nothing has shifted by then, the plan is reviewed rather than continued unchanged.

Therapy with or without medication

Mild to moderate depression and most anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy alone. Moderate to severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe OCD usually need medication as well, which is where seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist in the same clinic helps: one evaluation, one plan, two clinicians who talk to each other.

Frequently asked questions

Is online therapy as effective as in person?

For CBT and related therapies, trials find video-delivered therapy comparable to in-person for depression and anxiety. What matters most is a private space, a stable connection and keeping the weekly rhythm.

Is what I say confidential?

Yes. Sessions are confidential, with the standard exceptions of a risk to your life or someone else's, or a legal requirement. The privacy policy explains how records are kept.

Can I choose a male or female psychologist, or Hindi?

Tell the team when you book; sessions are available in English and Hindi and you can state a preference for your therapist.

Is this an emergency service?

No. Dr Vohra's is an outpatient clinic. In a mental health emergency in India, call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 (both 24x7 and free), or 112 for emergency services.