What can we learn from the story “Neha, Age 29”?
From the book – Chapter 14: Counselling and Psychotherapy
Neha, Age 29
Neha, twenty-nine, was always exhausted. On the outside she was the perfect friend, daughter and employee: always smiling, always agreeing, never saying no. Inside, she was drowning in resentment and constant worry. She feared that if she ever stated her own needs or said no, people would leave her. Carrying this alone, she secretly believed something was deeply wrong with her.
Exhausted, Neha finally started Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her therapist did not just offer a sympathetic ear to let her vent; they got to work on the actual mechanics of her anxiety.
Read the full chapter – Chapter 14: Counselling and Psychotherapy
Stories from real life
- The Waiting Room – Priya, 26, a software tester in Pune, has avoided therapy for a year. She fears being called mad, being judged, and having to spill everything on…
- Two Kitchens, One Quarrel – Hamid and Salma have been married six years, living with his parents in Hyderabad. Every small matter becomes a fight: who cooks, how money is spent,…
- When Words Alone Were Not Enough – Luca, 41, a chef in Rome, has had panic attacks for three years. His heart pounds, his chest tightens and he fears he will die. He…
Shloks
- Bhagavad Gita 4.34 – Know that by approaching with respect, by questioning, and by service. Those who see reality will teach you.
More on this topic: Counselling, therapy and psychiatric medicines explained
More questions
- What are counselling and psychotherapy?
- How therapy works?
- What are the types of counselling and therapy?
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – one type of counselling and therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy – one type of counselling and therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – one type of counselling and therapy
- Trauma-focused therapies – one type of counselling and therapy
- What to expect?
- First session – what to expect
- How to choose a therapist?
- What happens in counselling or therapy?
- Myths and facts about mental health medicines