At Renewed Mercies we believe that counselling is a process between an individual and their counsellor that helps the individual to overcome difficulties and change maladaptive or unhealthy emotional, behavioural or cognitive aspects. This leads to a more adaptive pattern of thought and behaviour and a satisfactory change in the individual. Thus, individual counselling is an enabling process that provides alternative ways to think, feel and behave in a healthier manner.
One should seek counselling when certain aspects of their mental health have started affecting the other areas of their life, it can range from the smallest of concerns such as personality development, self-discovery, life stressors to the most distressing ones such as panic attacks, depression, anxiety, mood fluctuations, grief, trauma and so on. These signs and symptoms could be due to any significant reasons like chronic stressors due to relationship conflicts, financial crisis, poor body image, low confidence, career difficulties etc.
We believe that counselling is a process in which the individual and the counsellor work towards a common goal which is beneficial for the individual. This can lead to a satisfactory and beneficial change in the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of the individual. It can enable them to cope with unmanageable situations in the best way possible. The process helps to enhance the overall well-being of the individual.
During your first session, your therapist may ask about your symptoms, what brought you to therapy, and your history.
Your therapist may ask questions to help you focus on your current experiences, such as what you are feeling, thinking, seeing, and hearing.
The duration of the counselling process differs for each individual. It depends on the complexity of the concerns that the individual has and his/her participation in the process. On average, counselling sessions can extend between 2-6 sessions.
Therapy can help you feel better, but it's more than just a feel-good process. It can help you work on negative emotions, change distorted thinking patterns, and change self-defeating behaviors.
Yes, you can absolutely request a specific time or day for your therapy sessions, and it's a good idea to discuss your availability and preferences with Dr. Anu to find a schedule that works best for both of you.
Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy or marital therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples understand and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship.
Marriage counseling, works by creating a safe space where couples can openly discuss their issues with the help of a trained therapist. The counselor helps identify negative patterns, improves communication skills, and teaches conflict resolution techniques. Through structured sessions, couples gain insights into their relationship dynamics and learn strategies to rebuild trust and strengthen their emotional bond.
In a marriage counseling session, you can expect a supportive environment where both partners will be able to express their thoughts and feelings openly. The therapist will assess your relationship dynamics, help identify key issues, and guide you in improving communication and resolving conflicts. You will also learn practical tools and techniques to strengthen your emotional connection and rebuild trust, with personalized strategies designed to meet your unique relationship needs.
Just because a relationship is edging towards the end does not mean you cannot benefit from a session of couple’s therapy. When a marriage or relationship ends, both parties may be contentious about the breakup and may have harbored anger and other negative emotions. A counselor can help the couple focus on what matters the most and move forward healthily, whether they choose to stay together or not.
Marriage counseling is all about being open and honest. Don’t worry about filtering yourself too much. Your therapist will work to create a safe space for each of you to voice your feelings. There are no fast rules about marriage counseling — just be respectful and honest and listen to your therapist or partner when they’re speaking.
At Renewed Mercies, we’re not here just to listen or referee your arguments. We will listen first. Then provide direction and teach the two of you practical skills to improve your communication and conflict-resolution skills. Our goal is that you will leave marriage counseling with the skills you need to face your future together and have the deep, rewarding relationship with your partner that you both deserve.
It’s not uncommon for one spouse to be more verbal or “dominating” in a session. As a counselor, Dr. Anu understands the importance of getting both of your perspectives. She will manage the counseling sessions in such a way that you both will have time to speak and share your thoughts and feelings about the relationship. Sometimes it may be beneficial for one or both partners to also seek individual counseling as a supplement to marriage counseling. If we feel that this may be the case, we will discuss individual counseling options with you as well.
If your partner is unwilling to attend marriage counseling, it is recommended to start by having an open and honest conversation about your concerns and the benefits of counseling. Express your feelings and why you believe counseling could help. Sometimes, suggesting individual therapy for yourself can also be a positive step, which may encourage your partner to reconsider. Ultimately, focusing on improving communication and addressing issues individually can also pave the way for potential joint counseling in the future.
Parent counseling is a therapeutic process where parents work with a counselor to address parenting challenges, improve family dynamics, and enhance their relationship with their children.
There is a saying that parenting doesn't come with a manual. Each child is unique and so is parenting. However, with immense research in child development, it is advisable to seek the right guidance for parenting. A lot of problems in children stem from parenting and attachment styles. Additionally, parents may not be equipped with certain strategies especially when a child shows deviant or disruptive behaviour. It is also helpful for parents who are anxious about their child. Very often parents are hypervigilant and may need guidance for the same.
It is most preferred that both parents come for the session. Incase of exceptional situations such as single parents, separation, etc. one parent is sufficient.
Not necessarily. However, we do provide handouts, worksheets, reference materials, and home programs to aid with the therapy.
It is important at all times to be open and honest with your child about why you are seeking help and why you are attending the session. They will be aware of the problem and may themselves be asking for help or they may be well aware of how annoying you find their particular behaviour or how concerned you are about them. This first appointment and the reasons for attending needs to be discussed with your child (including very young children) well before the date.
Our counsellor will contact you after session one and then regularly from that point on to discuss how your child is getting on. However, counselling sessions are a confidential space where your child can share anything they want, safe in the knowledge the counsellor won't tell anyone (we make it clear that if there is a safeguarding risk, we will break this confidentiality).
When it's time to check in with you, the counsellor will ask your child what they're comfortable sharing, and they will only share what's been agreed. However, part of the counselling process is that they help the child develop ways to open up more to their loved ones, so hopefully you'll find that your child will be coming to you more with what's troubling them.
While every parent and child’s relationship challenge is unique, we believe that therapy should not be a crutch for you or your child, and that therapy should not drag on forever. Research tells us that clients usually see progress on their therapy goals after about 4-6 sessions and that the average therapy case takes about 10 sessions.
Pretty much everything you and your child talk about in therapy is private and confidential. There are exceptions to confidentiality, such as: Legal Obligations: If a therapist is legally required to report information (e.g., suspected child abuse or neglect). Imminent Harm: If a client poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, the therapist may need to disclose information to ensure safety.
Dr. Anu provides a safe and supportive space where you will be heard and valued. Reach out, and let’s begin this journey towards the positive change that you are seeking.
Renewed Mercies, led by Dr. Anu T Alex, provides both faith-based and secular online counseling for individuals, couples, and families. We offer a confidential space for your emotional healing, guidance, and spiritual growth, with convenient online access via WhatsApp and mobile.
Connect with our qualified psychologist online in India via live phone/chat sessions.