Frequently Asked Questions
All Your questions Answered
Psychotherapy is a subject that may pose quite a lot of questions. Sanam Naran answers most questions that precede consultation. We’d love to hear from you.
How do I know if I need therapy?
Everyone needs therapy. We've all dealt with a childhood, which means we could benefit from therapy. If you simply want to understand yourself better, figure out why you do what you do, attract certain partners, and improve your self-esteem and relationships, you will benefit from therapy. Furthermore, if you struggle with overthinking and feeling as though you're unable to 'switch off' from your thoughts, feeling low or stressed, getting angry more easily or struggling to regulate your emotions, you may also benefit from therapy.
How long are your sessions and how frequent do I have to have them?
50 minutes long. The frequency of your sessions can be discussed with your psychologist
Are my sessions confidential?
Absolutely! We take privacy and confidentiality very seriously. It is in our prescribed code of ethics to keep all clients and information confidential.
How do online sessions work and are they just as helpful?
Online sessions are just as beneficial as in-person sessions. It is just based on what you prefer. We are grateful to have clients from all over South Africa and can still assist you even if you're not in Johannesburg.Our online sessions take place via Google Meet.
What's the difference between a psychologist, counsellor, life coach or psychiatrist?
A psychologist specializes in the study of human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. They are experts in understanding the complex workings of the mind and its impact on individual and collective well-being. Psychologists employ various scientific methods and theories to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders, as well as to promote healthy behavior and improve overall mental health.Registered Counsellors are psychological professionals who perform psychological screening, basic assessment and technically limited psychological interventions with individuals and groups, aiming at enhancing personal functioning in a variety of contexts including education, work, sport, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organisations and community.A life coach is someone who encourages clients through personal or career goals. A life coach helps guide clients to reach their ultimate goals in life.A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the mental health field. They have medical training and can prescribe medications.
More Helpful FAQs
How Can I Convince My Partner To Try Couples Therapy?
- BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR STRUGGLES This would mean that you would need to be vulnerable and open about your feelings.
- DON'T PLAY THE BLAME GAME Take accountability for your part in the struggles that your relationship faces.
- LET THEM KNOW YOU CARE The main reason why you might seek couples therapy is because you care about your relationship and you want to see it succeed.
- MOVE PAST THE STIGMA There is nothing wrong with seeing a Psychologist for couples therapy. There doesn't always have to be something severely wrong with the relationship, to seek help. Sometimes, you may just need some help with communication (for example).
- SET CLEAR GOALS One of the main reasons why people quit therapy is because they think there's been no progress. Remember: progress is not linear, especially when it comes to therapy.
- DON'T GET DEFENSIVE WHEN THEY GET DEFENSIVE Your partner may think you're trying to blame them by asking to go for therapy. Anticipate this reaction - but try to stay calm and empathetic in your response.
- LET THEM MAKE THE DECISION FOR THEMSELVES Don't force them. Allow them to come to the decision themselves. Therapy may not work if one party is not fully invested. Choose a Psychologist together and make sure you are both comfortable with them.
If Therapy Is Not Advice Giving, Then What Is It?
- CHALLENGE YOUR BELIEFS, THOUGHTS, & BEHAVIOURS Challenge your unhealthy, negative beliefs, thoughts and behaviours about yourself and others
- IDENTIFYING YOUR UNCONSCIOUS Identify what is your unconscious which drives your thoughts and behaviours - becoming self-aware of why you do things and where it stems from.
- IMPROVE HOW YOU RELATE TO TO OTHERS Focus on problems with your relationships with other people to improve how you relate to others. This is often identified through transference in your relationship with your therapist.
- CHANGING DEEP SEATED PATTERNS Change deep-seated patterns so that you can more fully take charge of your life.
- POINTING OUT BEHAVIOURS Pointing out behaviours that are present in the therapy room that might be causing issues in your personal life.
- ALLOWING YOU TO SEE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES Providing perspective on certain situations and allowing you to see it from different angles.
- IDENTIFY BACKGROUND INFLUENCES Help you identify how your childhood, culture, background, and past relationships have influenced your current relationships and behaviours.
- HELPING YOU THROUGH UNRESOLVED EMOTIONS Help you work through unresolved emotions which are directing your behaviour in negative ways.
- GENTLY CALL YOU OUT Challenge you and gently call you out on certain behaviours that are not serving you.
A Guide To Starting Therapy
- Finding The Right Therapist Recommendations are important. Read their bios and see if you connect to that. Don't get caught up with age or gender. This is not an indicator of competency.
- Check For Compliance Some Psychologists may have more specific areas of interest. Check if that aligns with what you're bringing. Check if they're registered with the HPCSA.
- Understand What Therapy Is Understand that you should be prepared to be challenged and confront things that will bring you discomfort. Also, getting told what to do or tips on how to deal with something is not what therapy is about.
- Set Goals For Yourself Think about your goals for therapy and communicate this to your psychologist but be realistic. Keep in mind that therapy takes time. Therapy is a commitment.
- What To Expect Going Into Therapy It's nornal to feel anxious before your sessions. Be open about this to your psychologist. After your session, you may feel drained and not necessarily "better". Try to have some quiet time afterwards, if possible.
- Be Honest & Open Remember that your relationship with your psychologist is the most important part of this process. So be honest and open. Talk about your feelings towards them, your concerns, your frustrations, etc.
- Be Consistent Be consistent with your appointments and when you're not, reflect on this and talk about it in your next session. It's normal to feel resistant at times - good therapy is difficult.
- Avoid Distractions If your appointements are online - don't be distracted, try not to schedule it when you're at work or when you're in your car out in public. Remember, it is your sacred time and space. It's not a quick business call.