Frequently asked questions - Respair Clinic
Starting Psychotherapy
When shall I know that it is time for me to seek therapy?
You get to decide if, when, over what, and how much you want to engage in therapy. Even if you feel that something is off and you might need help, it is good enough reason to consult. There is no need to wait for a crisis to hit you before trying therapy. You can reach out whenever you want to talk.
Some reasons why people seek psychotherapy are- to change something about themselves which may be hampering a good functional life, wanting to cope with symptoms of mental health conditions, to set and reach goals in life, to become better at dealing with their problems, for personal growth and better insight into themselves, to heal from experiences from the past which continue to affect the present etc.
How can therapy help me?
Therapy can be looked at as a way to get a jumpstart on your mental well-being. It can play a crucial role in equipping you to manage emotions and stress better, build more self-awareness and strength, to handle whatever comes your way in day-to-day life better, develop a stronger sense of self, to work on greater alignment between who you are inside and outside, and incorporate healthier ways to approach life.
The progress you make in therapy can also open the doors to greater reconciliation, acceptance, appreciation and fullness in your life.
Therapy asks for your commitment towards change, some time, emotional and financial effort. It is a way to prioritize your well-being.
When is therapy not recommended?
Psychotherapy is not recommended as the first or most effective step if you are facing acute crises (eg., active suicidality, or psychosis, mania, substance abuse and intoxication etc). More immediate and higher level of care such as residential treatment may be more helpful in such situations. During a crisis you may accordingly reach out to emergency at nearest hospital or call the Telemanas helpline at 14416 / 18008914416.
If you do not feel motivated to engage actively in therapy and are unwilling to change, then at this point psychotherapy may not be the right option for you.
How do I go about choosing a therapist for myself?
When finding a therapist, you could read up about them, see what qualifications they have, meet up for initial consultation, go with what feels right for you, and trust yourself.
Reading this article might help you understand more.
How can I, as a client, help make my therapy sessions more effective?
Here are some things that you can do to make your therapy work better for you-
Discuss your goals clearly and honestly.
Practice openness to new ways of thinking, feeling, doing, and being.
Ask questions, give feedback, and practice readiness to receiving feedback.
Take what is covered in the sessions and work on them in your day-to-day life.
Reflect and review your progress. Some people find journalling between therapy sessions helpful.
Be patient and kind with yourself – change takes time. Growth is not expected to be linear- many a time, there can be back and forth, ups and downs. Every step forward, no matter how small, counts. Each individual’s journey is different and results vary.
Therapy works best when client and therapist can work together collaboratively.
Please note, therapy is a serious commitment to change, not an instant fix, or shortcut to solutions. Feeling uncertain or nervous about starting therapy is common. You do not have to only look at it as a way to fix something broken or wrong. Through therapy you can choose how you want to be and live. Therapy may not always feel easy or very comfortable. You are invited to talk about it at your own pace. There will be moments of vulnerability. Your active engagement despite discomfort will be quite helpful.
Working with Dr. Vaisnvy at Respair Clinic
How to book an appointment with you?
• You can book an appointment only through this website (appointments will be available from Monday to Friday)
• All sessions are paid for and booked in advance.
• After booking appointment, informed consent form and intake form will be emailed. You may please fill and submit them.
What is the duration of a session?
Individual psychotherapy – 60 minutes.
Couple therapy- 60 minutes.
Parent consultation- 60 minutes.
Family therapy- 60 minutes.
How many sessions will I require in psychotherapy?
Number of sessions required varies depending on the client’s condition, complexities involved, and goals. Long standing issues and chronic severe problems will take more time.
What will be the session fees?
Individual – Rs. 2300
Couples – Rs. 2800
Parent consultation – Rs. 2500
Family therapy – Rs. 3000
*Fee rates will be increased by 10% annually
Is there a sliding scale?
There are some slots which are set aside for those who are not in a position to pay full fee (eg; those who may be studying, or financially distressed etc). Please reach out to find out if these spots are available, with an idea of what fee you can afford.
You are also invited to consider psychotherapy as an investment in yourself and a commitment towards change- which can involve both financial and emotional costs. It is okay to share your concerns or worries about the cost openly. We may continue to talk about this as we continue to work together.
What if I find your rate for sessions unaffordable?
• Don’t let my fees discourage you from reaching out. I am usually able to work out something that feels fair for both my clients and myself.
• Even if my rates don’t quite work, I would be glad to help you find other therapists who might fit your financial needs better.
Can I pause my sessions?
• I understand that life can be a roller-coaster sometimes making great demands out of us. You are welcome to take a break from therapy sessions when required for whatever reasons they may be- such as your personal circumstances and life-events, scheduling challenges due to inability to fit sessions amidst pressing personal or work commitments, or reflect and process what has emerged in therapy so far.
• Just like how our life journeys have peaks, plateaus and valleys- psychotherapy path can also be similar in experience. Your well-being matters most, and pausing is a valid part of the process. You are invited to openly discuss this in the sessions.
What if I miss my session?
Missed confirmed appointments are non-refundable and non-transferable to future sessions. The scheduled time is exclusively reserved for you and cannot be reassigned to another client.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule the appointment?
• Amount paid for the session will be refunded, if cancelled at least 2 working days before the scheduled session. Cancellations submitted after the cutoff period will not receive a refund.
Example- The clinic is closed on Public holidays and on Saturdays and Sundays. For a Monday appointment, cancellation needs to be requested by Wednesday before end of Clinic working hours (5:30 pm). Similarly, by Thursday evening for a Tuesday appointment, and by Tuesday evening for an appointment on Friday.
• To change appointment scheduled- Please inform 2 working days before the scheduled session. Rescheduling requests are subject to availability. It can be attempted to reschedule the slot in the same or next week. If no slot is available or the alternative isn’t convenient, the cancellation policy will take effect.
• Please note: I am here to work with you. I understand that life can be quite unpredictable- illnesses and any other emergencies can suddenly disrupt everything. Emergencies will be considered based on my professional judgement and discretion, always keeping your well-being in mind. Please notify promptly via email or phone, and we can try to reschedule the appointment if therapy is not possible.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, I do not prescribe medications. I can refer you to a psychiatrist or other doctors if you want to consult on medicines, depending on your concerns.
What we talk will be confidential?
Your right to privacy and confidentiality is very important. What happens in therapy stays in therapy. However, in case of threat/harm to self or others, confidentiality will not apply. Informed consent form which talks about this will be provided to you, and you can discuss and clarify any concerns or doubts that may arise.
How can I get in touch with you?
You can reach me by email at info@respairclinic.com or drop a message via sms or Whatsapp on +91 7411778792.
I will respond to you within 3 working days.
I might be in a session and unable to answer calls, in which case I will get back in touch with you.
Appointments can only be booked through this website.
Please note, Respair Clinic is a solo psychotherapy private practice for therapy consultations. In case of emergencies, you may please contact your nearest medical facility or call 112, or access the TeleMANAS helpline at 14416 or 18008914416.