With the rise of digital communication and the prevalence of social media, the concept of "self-proclaimed" therapists has gained traction. People are increasingly offering counselling and therapy services online, presenting themselves as experts in mental health without the necessary qualifications. While the intention might be to assist those in distress, the potential dangers of relying on untrained individuals for therapeutic guidance cannot be overlooked.
Trained therapists are mental health professionals who have undergone extensive education, clinical experience, and licensing to provide specialized counselling and therapeutic services. Their expertise spans various therapeutic modalities, enabling them to address various mental health issues. Whether managing stress, overcoming trauma, or dealing with relationship challenges, therapists can offer evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.?
One of the fundamental advantages of seeking guidance from a trained therapist is creating a safe and confidential space for clients to express themselves openly. This non-judgmental environment fosters trust, allowing individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and fears without fear of stigmatization. By delving into the root causes of mental health struggles, therapists help clients gain insights, develop coping mechanisms, and initiate meaningful personal growth.
Dr Shyam Bhat adds, ¡°Psychotherapy,¡± or ¡°Therapy¡± as it is commonly called, focuses more on gaining insight into the unconscious aspects of the mind and understanding the root cause of problems, including thought patterns, behaviours,?emotions, and subconscious patterns.?A psychotherapist helps individuals with a broad variety of mental and emotional difficulties. Therapy is also useful to gain self-awareness, mental strength, and resilience.In India,?psychiatrists and psychologists are the only professionals who can do psychotherapy. A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a postgraduate degree in Psychiatry; A psychologist has at least a postgraduate (Masters) degree in psychology, MPhil in Psychology from an institute recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), or PhD."
There are a lot of unprofessional people who tend to provide therapy and that can be dangerous. As per Dr Shyam Bhat, Psychiatrist and Chairman, LiveLoveLaugh "There are an increasing number of individuals practising as therapists without the necessary training or qualifications. This is largely due to a lack of stringent regulatory frameworks governing the practice of psychotherapy in India, and a lack of awareness among the public about what qualifications to look for in a therapist, along with a post-COVID-19 surge in demand for mental health services."?
"An unqualified or untrained therapist can often misguide their clients, misdiagnose the condition, or even cause harm by violating boundaries or giving life advice that is contrary to good therapy.This not only prolongs the individual¡¯s suffering but can lead to mistrust of mental health professionals and discourage people from seeking professional help in the future," he adds.?
There are several courses which are making people become therapists. Here are reasons why a professional expert is a necessity:
Qualified mental health experts, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, undergo rigorous education and training in their respective fields. They possess in-depth knowledge of various mental health conditions, treatment modalities, and therapeutic techniques. Their expertise enables them to accurately diagnose and provide effective interventions for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Qualified mental health experts are bound by ethical standards and codes of conduct set by their respective professional organizations. These standards ensure that clients' confidentiality, autonomy, and well-being are respected and protected. They also provide guidelines for maintaining professional boundaries and handling challenging situations in a responsible and compassionate manner.
Properly trained experts can conduct comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose mental health conditions. A precise diagnosis is essential for tailoring the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual's specific needs, preventing misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments.
The presence of qualified mental health experts helps to reduce the risk of harm caused by untrained individuals offering therapy without proper knowledge. It also minimizes the spread of misinformation and unproven treatments that can exacerbate mental health issues.
Qualified experts base their treatments on scientifically proven methods, ensuring that their interventions are safe and effective. This approach minimizes the risk of harmful or unproven therapies and maximizes the likelihood of positive outcomes for individuals seeking help.
As per Dr Bhat, "The mental health landscape in India is changing rapidly. With increasing awareness about mental health, more people are seeking help. There's a push to strengthen mental health services at all levels of healthcare, from primary health centres to tertiary institutions. Technology plays a significant role, with many services offering online counselling, which has become more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing acceptance and usage of teletherapy are helping to reach more people, including those in rural or remote areas."
"The National Mental Health Survey (2016) and the Mental Healthcare Act (2017) also signify progress in recognizing and addressing mental health issues at a policy level.With more awareness, however, is a surge in unqualified self-appointed experts. This should be regulated to ensure that we provide good quality mental health care in the country," he adds.?
Having qualified mental health experts is essential for providing safe, effective, and ethical mental health care. Their expertise, evidence-based approaches, and commitment to ongoing learning contribute to the well-being and recovery of individuals seeking support for their mental health concerns.