Emotional health care needs authentic experts, not shortcuts 

With the growing need for emotional health advisors on the rise, every reputable institution — whether a school, college, or corporate house — is in search of the right psychotherapist or counsellor to promote a sense of wellness and support within their respective institutions. As India witnesses an increase in development, its population faces a drastic rise in psychological issues. People are looking for someone neutral to talk to, confide in and receive thoughtful guidance and insight when needed.  

Recently, many of my meetings with leaders of reputable institutions have devolved into delayed discussions about how to “shop” for a counsellor who aligns with their community. Yes, counsellor/therapist shopping is real. It is encouraging to see that the leadership of various workplaces is not only showing genuine interest but also actively dedicating time to understand the field of psychological wellness. Many criteria are being discussed; beyond the degree requirements, what are the key considerations that any institution’s wellness programme should aim for when hiring?  

Beyond degrees, conversations now must include what core qualities and competencies a wellness professional should bring to an institution. There is a crucial difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist. A psychotherapist is someone who empowers seekers to identify their own solutions, builds them up to recognise their own blockages, and encourages the person to choose healing and resolve through their conscious thought and actions.  

In contrast, a counsellor typically works on the advisory principle, making an attempt to provide corrective counsel through the lens and dynamic of their own experience. Psychotherapist training should involve certain specifics. Psychotherapy will encourage you to seek out answers and attempt to fortify and equip you to regulate your nervous system. The therapeutic process will help bring together your perceptions and responses to align with your external reality. A counsellor and a psychotherapist have a very different approach to the same issue. Although both aim to bring about relief and wellness and strive to anchor the counselee, their approach and framework may differ.  

Given these role distinctions, many institutions now involve counsellors in more administrative roles or liaison capacities, such as admissions coordinators or pastoral support, while reserving psychotherapists as the key people for conducting workshops or carrying out a well-being curriculum.  

Regardless of their titles, both counsellors and psychotherapists must share essential competencies. Today, many short-term courses may not adequately prepare professionals for delicate intricacies like how to tackle breakdowns in sessions, tactfully meet the deep resistance presented by the counselee/patient, handle extended family dynamics, go beyond the application of textbook theories, and so on and so forth.  

The real power of any interaction in a therapeutic setting lies in the ability to go beyond theory— the learned text, an attuned and grounded presence matters. The practitioner must navigate the conversation empathetically. The emotional, compassionate investigation at hand must be grounded, focused and goal-oriented. Any loose comment, deviation, or distracted dialogue will not only stall the catharsis but also jeopardise the process that begins to take place once all are in a therapeutic setting.  

A capable counsellor or therapist must blend insight with deep empathy. Their words, body language, and emotional presence should reflect understanding and care. At the same time, professional boundaries must remain clear and consistent. Quick fixes or superficial advice should never replace a thorough comprehension of a client’s struggles.

Clients should feel empowered to voice concerns if they feel dismissed or misunderstood.

An able, aware counsellor/therapist can introduce very effective ideas, preventions and interventions if they can not only assess the situation or the issue but also feel deeply for the distressed. Empathy should be very much a part of their demeanour, expression and non-verbal communication. Any deserving candidate should be authentic and well-versed with their use of words. Under no circumstances should any counselling, suggestion or resolve intend on magical solutions, blanket statements or promises. It is with all the mentioned scenarios in mind that clients and psychotherapists, counsellors and their counselees must engage in a first interview to identify if they have made a healthy connection to continue into a long-term therapeutic relationship.  

Some important markers that every reputable institution should ensure while hiring a well-being officer in order to build a robust wellness team are that their wellness personnel should have undergone and achieved their own certified 60 or more hours of counselling or therapy, and have an active supervisor they can or are consulting for their ongoing clientele. As the demand for mental health rises, quality must take precedence over quantity. As leaders of institutions, it would be a welcome change to invest in safe, skilled and compassionate professionals, which would send a powerful message of care, commitment and integrity to the entire community.  

Let us never forget that healing begins when listening is sincere, presence is undivided, and the well-being personnel in the room is as genuine and authentic as the one seeking help. 

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