What is Therapy and How Does It Differ from Psychiatric Consultation

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counselling, is a professional process that helps individuals understand and manage their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. It focuses on developing coping skills, emotional resilience, and better relationships through structured conversations guided by trained professionals.

While psychiatric consultation primarily focuses on diagnosis and treatment through medical evaluation and, when required, medication management, therapy helps people address the psychological and emotional causes of their distress. In many cases, the best results come from a combination of psychiatrist-led treatment and psychotherapy. At Dr. Rohit P. Deshmukh’s Psychiatry and Mental Health Clinic in Mumbai, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies tailored to each individual’s needs.

Types of Therapies and Counselling Offered

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours that contribute to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. It focuses on practical problem-solving and changing thought patterns to promote healthier emotional responses.

2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

A specialized form of CBT, ERP therapy is highly effective for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It involves gradual exposure to fears while preventing compulsive rituals, helping reduce anxiety and regain control.

3. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Initially developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT teaches emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is helpful for emotional instability, self-harm tendencies, and relationship difficulties.

4. Psychodynamic Therapy

This therapy helps individuals uncover unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts from the past that influence current behavior. It promotes self-awareness, emotional healing, and personality growth.

5. Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy integrates CBT and psychodynamic principles to address deep-rooted emotional patterns. It’s beneficial for personality disorders, chronic anxiety, and people who feel “stuck” in repetitive life struggles.

6. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns. It’s often used for depression, grief, and relationship-related stress.

7. Supportive Psychotherapy

This form of therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to express thoughts and emotions. The therapist offers guidance, reassurance, and practical advice to help manage stress and build confidence.

8. Behaviour Therapy

Focuses on modifying problematic behaviours through reinforcement techniques. It’s beneficial for phobias, OCD, tics, and anxiety disorders.

9. Anger Management Therapy

Anger is a natural emotion—but when it becomes uncontrolled, it can harm relationships and health. Anger Management Therapy helps identify triggers, develop relaxation techniques, and practice healthy expression of emotions.

10. Stress Management Counselling

Stress Counselling teaches practical ways to manage work, relationship, or life stress. Techniques include mindfulness, relaxation, time management, and cognitive restructuring to prevent burnout and anxiety.

11. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counselling

Trauma can profoundly affect emotional well-being. PTSD therapy helps process painful experiences, reduce flashbacks, and rebuild trust and safety through trauma-focused counselling and EMDR-based techniques.

12. Crisis Intervention Therapy

This is an immediate, short-term therapy for individuals facing acute emotional crises like panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or significant loss. It focuses on stabilizing the situation and restoring emotional balance quickly.

13. Marriage and Relationship Counselling

Relationships require understanding and communication. Couples therapy helps partners resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and improve emotional intimacy. It also assists with pre-marital guidance and post-marital adjustment.

14. Family Therapy

Family Therapy involves multiple family members working together to resolve conflicts, improve communication, and support one another. It’s beneficial for families dealing with adolescent issues, addiction, or caregiving stress.

15. Group Therapy

In Group Therapy, individuals with similar challenges share experiences under a therapist’s guidance. It provides peer support and a sense of community, reducing isolation and shame.

16. Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT/MBSR)

Mindfulness-based therapies combine meditation with cognitive approaches to manage anxiety, depression, and stress. They help individuals stay grounded in the present and reduce emotional overreactions.

17. Motivational Enhancement and Addiction Counselling

This therapy helps individuals struggling with substance use or behavioral addictions build motivation for recovery, develop self-control, and establish long-term coping plans.

18. Child and Adolescent Counselling

Children and teens face unique emotional and developmental challenges. Therapy helps them express feelings, manage behaviour, and cope with academic or social stressors using play therapy, CBT, or family involvement.

19. Grief and Loss Counselling

Losing a loved one can trigger overwhelming sadness. Grief therapy provides emotional support, acceptance, and coping tools to process loss and rebuild meaning in life.

20. Sleep and Lifestyle Counselling

Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can disrupt sleep. Lifestyle and sleep counselling focus on improving routines, sleep hygiene, and mental relaxation to restore healthy rest patterns.

Why Therapy is Important

Seeking therapy is not just for severe mental illness—it’s for anyone who wants to live with greater clarity, emotional balance, and inner peace. Therapy helps prevent mental health issues from worsening, improves relationships, and enhances your ability to cope with daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know which therapy is right for me?

Your psychiatrist or therapist will assess your condition, goals, and comfort level before recommending the most suitable approach.

2. How long does therapy last?

It varies from short-term (6–12 sessions) to long-term, depending on your needs and progress.

3. Is therapy effective without medication?

Yes. Many individuals improve significantly with therapy alone, though combining therapy with medication can be more effective for specific conditions.

4. How often should I attend sessions?

Typically, once a week initially, but frequency can be adjusted as progress continues.

5. Can therapy be done online?

Yes. We offer both in-person and online therapy sessions in Mumbai so that you can receive support from the comfort of your home.

6. Is therapy confidential?

Absolutely. All sessions are 100% confidential, ensuring your privacy and emotional safety.

Therapy is not about weakness — it’s about growth, healing, and self-awareness. If you’re ready to overcome emotional pain, stress, or relationship struggles, help is available.

At Dr. Rohit P. Deshmukh’s Mental Health Clinic in Mumbai, each therapy plan is customized. Whether you need anxiety counselling, anger management, depression therapy, or relationship guidance, help is available—confidentially and compassionately.

Book your appointment today with Dr. Rohit P. Deshmukh – Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist in Mumbai to start your journey toward mental wellness and emotional freedom.