Psychotherapy & Counselling
Welcome to Hidayat: Where Healing Begins
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that provides a safe and confidential space to understand thoughts, emotions, behaviours, relationships, and the challenges a person may be experiencing. It can support children, adolescents, and adults, and may be offered individually or in family, couple, or group settings, depending on the needs of the individual.
Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions are generally scheduled once every 1–2 weeks and usually last around 50–60 minutes. The frequency and duration of sessions may vary depending on the concerns being addressed, the goals of therapy, and the individual’s progress. Psychotherapy works best when both the therapist and the person seeking therapy are actively involved in the process. Building a relationship based on trust, respect, openness, and understanding is an important part of effective therapy. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy lasting a few weeks or months, particularly when working through a specific or immediate concern. Others may require longer-term therapy over several months or years when dealing with longstanding, complex, or recurring difficulties. The goals, treatment approach, frequency, and expected duration of therapy are discussed collaboratively between the therapist and the individual.
Therapy is most helpful when approached as a collaborative process. Being open and
honest with your therapist, discussing what is and isn’t working, attending sessions
regularly, and practising skills discussed during sessions can support progress.
Depending on the therapeutic approach, individuals may also be encouraged to work
between sessions through activities such as journaling, thought monitoring, relaxation
exercises, behavioural practice, or other therapeutic exercises.
Therapy is most helpful when approached as a collaborative process. Being open and
honest with your therapist, discussing what is and isn’t working, attending sessions
regularly, and practising skills discussed during sessions can support progress.
Depending on the therapeutic approach, individuals may also be encouraged to work
between sessions through activities such as journaling, thought monitoring, relaxation
exercises, behavioural practice, or other therapeutic exercises.
A Safe & Confidential Space
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of psychotherapy. Personal experiences, thoughts,
and feelings shared during therapy are treated with respect and privacy, within the
professional and legal boundaries applicable to mental health care.
Therapy is based on professional boundaries and emotional safety. Any form of intimate
or inappropriate physical contact between a therapist and a person receiving therapy is
not appropriate within a therapeutic relationship.
Psychotherapy & Medication
Psychotherapy and medication are two different but complementary approaches to mental health care.
For some individuals, medication may be an important part of treatment, while for others, psychotherapy may be the primary approach. In many situations, a combination of psychotherapy and medication can provide greater support than either approach alone.
Treatment is considered according to the individual’s concerns, needs, clinical presentation, and preferences. Healthy lifestyle habits such as adequate sleep, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and maintaining supportive relationships can also play an important role in recovery and overall well-being.
Does Psychotherapy Work?
Psychotherapy can help people understand themselves better, manage difficult emotions, develop healthier patterns of thinking and behaviour, improve relationships, and cope more effectively with life’s challenges.
Research has consistently shown that many people who engage in psychotherapy experience meaningful improvement in their symptoms and day-to-day functioning. The benefits of therapy may extend beyond symptom reduction and can include improved emotional well-being, coping abilities, relationships, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Psychotherapy is not an instant solution. Meaningful change often takes time and depends on several factors, including the nature of the concern, the therapeutic approach, the individual’s involvement in treatment, and the relationship between the therapist and the person seeking help.
Making the Most of Therapy
Therapy is most helpful when approached as a collaborative process. Being open and honest with your therapist, discussing what is and isn’t working, attending sessions regularly, and practising skills discussed during sessions can support progress. Depending on the therapeutic approach, individuals may also be encouraged to work between sessions through activities such as journaling, thought monitoring, relaxation exercises, behavioural practice, or other therapeutic exercises.
Types of Psychotherapy
There is no single form of therapy that works for everyone. The approach is selected according to the individual’s concerns, goals, age, circumstances, and preferences. Therapists may also integrate techniques from different approaches to provide a more personalised treatment plan.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It helps individuals identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour and gradually develop more balanced thoughts and healthier ways of responding. CBT is generally focused on present concerns and practical ways of managing them. It may involve learning and practising new skills both during and between sessions. CBT can be helpful for a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, and other emotional and behavioural concerns.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Therapy is a structured, generally short-term approach that focuses on the relationship between emotional well-being and interpersonal experiences. It may be particularly useful when difficulties are connected with unresolved grief, changes in social or professional roles, relationship conflicts, communication difficulties, or challenges in maintaining healthy relationships. IPT helps individuals understand their relationship patterns, express emotions more effectively, and develop healthier ways of communicating and relating to others.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an evidence-based approach that combines elements of CBT with skills focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing intense emotional difficulties, difficulties with self-regulation, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and certain personality and eating-related concerns. DBT may involve both individual therapy and skills-based group work, depending on the treatment plan.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences, relationships, emotions, and patterns of thinking may influence present-day feelings and behaviour. The approach can help individuals develop greater self-awareness and understand patterns that may have developed over time. By bringing these patterns into awareness, individuals can work towards developing healthier ways of understanding themselves, relating to others, and responding to situations.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a more intensive and long-term form of psychodynamic therapy. It involves exploring deeper emotional experiences, relationship patterns, thoughts, and feelings that may not always be immediately within conscious awareness. The frequency and structure of sessions are generally more intensive than in other forms of psychotherapy and are decided according to the individual’s needs and treatment plan
Supportive Psychotherapy
Supportive psychotherapy focuses on providing guidance, encouragement, emotional support, and practical coping strategies during difficult periods. It can help individuals strengthen their existing coping resources, improve self-esteem, manage anxiety and emotional distress, and function more effectively in their personal, social, and professional lives.
A Collaborative Approach to Therapy
At Hidayat Chandigarh Psychological Services, psychotherapy is approached as a collaborative process. The aim is not simply to address symptoms, but to understand the individual as a whole — their experiences, emotions, relationships, strengths, challenges, and personal goals. The therapeutic approach and treatment plan are tailored according to the individual’s needs, with regular discussion and review of progress throughout the process.