Further to yesterday’s post http://deepali-enlightenment.blogspot.com/2011/07/stressed-workforce.html, let’s understand the meaning, importance & role of Counselling/ Counsellor; and initiatives taken by Corporate India in this direction to help their employees cope up with stress.
Meaning , Importance & Role
Why do we go an income tax consultant or a Chartered Accountant for tax related and financial matters; to a lawyer for property related or other legal issues? Why can’t we handle these matters, after all we are such intelligent and well read people?
Because, the nitty grities of income tax or legal issues are slightly beyond our purview and there are times when we need an expert’s help and guidance. Simple, is’nt it? Yes it is indeed. Life by itself is quite simple, but there are times when it gets complicated and one is not able to look beyond the complexity of a situation. All one needs is an expert’s help and guidance to overcome that situation or problem and move on.
Why do we go an income tax consultant or a Chartered Accountant for tax related and financial matters; to a lawyer for property related or other legal issues? Why can’t we handle these matters, after all we are such intelligent and well read people?
Because, the nitty grities of income tax or legal issues are slightly beyond our purview and there are times when we need an expert’s help and guidance. Simple, is’nt it? Yes it is indeed. Life by itself is quite simple, but there are times when it gets complicated and one is not able to look beyond the complexity of a situation. All one needs is an expert’s help and guidance to overcome that situation or problem and move on.
An expert who helps us overcome our behavioural problems by just talking to us is called a psychologist/ counsellor/therapist, and this process of talking and getting guidance is called Counselling. When we are in a grave problem, we talk to a close one- a friend, philosopher or guide who gives us a patient ear and tries to offer a solution. The role of a psychologist is almost the same, the only difference being that we get absolutely unbiased and appropriate guidance from a professional, and of course we shall have to pay the professional charges:). Life shall become simple and happy again by just talking to someone who is an expert who keeps our good, bad and ugly in strict confidence and stays non-judgemental. Amazing!
Difference between psychiatrist and psychologist:
A psychiatrist is not the same as a psychologist. Though both are in the field of mental wellness, yet their scope of work is different. A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner, a doctor who specialises in psychiatry and prescribes medicines if required in cases of acute depression, anxiety etc.( quite common these days) While, a psychologist is usually someone who has completed Masters degree in Psychology and is a practicing therapist, usually a Clinical Psychologist (since the specialization is wide like in every other field). However, it is not incorrect or stigmatic to see a psychiatrist also. If he feels that no medication is required, he will direct you to a psychologist.
Going to a counsellor does in no manner signify insanity or mental illness. Counselling is quite common in West, especially the US, not because they are ultra modern and open; in this case, because they are open to seeking help. Good schools appoint counsellors so that young students have uninterrupted growth and are able to make right choices in face of competition. Good hospitals have counsellors to help their patients overcome the agony and pressure that comes as an aftermath of physical illness.
A psychiatrist is not the same as a psychologist. Though both are in the field of mental wellness, yet their scope of work is different. A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner, a doctor who specialises in psychiatry and prescribes medicines if required in cases of acute depression, anxiety etc.( quite common these days) While, a psychologist is usually someone who has completed Masters degree in Psychology and is a practicing therapist, usually a Clinical Psychologist (since the specialization is wide like in every other field). However, it is not incorrect or stigmatic to see a psychiatrist also. If he feels that no medication is required, he will direct you to a psychologist.
Going to a counsellor does in no manner signify insanity or mental illness. Counselling is quite common in West, especially the US, not because they are ultra modern and open; in this case, because they are open to seeking help. Good schools appoint counsellors so that young students have uninterrupted growth and are able to make right choices in face of competition. Good hospitals have counsellors to help their patients overcome the agony and pressure that comes as an aftermath of physical illness.
Initiative taken by Corporate India:
I was very happy to read that corporate India has taken this initiative of using services of counsellors. Companies like BPCL, IBM India, Tata Power, HCL, Glaxo SmithKline have tied up with Employee Assistance Provider companies that even provide personal counselling to employees of these companies. I checked the website of one such Employee Assistance Provided called 1to1help.net and was quite impressed with their services as mentioned on the site(something that I always aspired and still aspire to do). Talking of counselling, they provide personal, telephonic and online counselling, maintaining 100% confidentiality.
I sincerely urge the rest, to make use of such services for employee well being; it will definitely effect and reflect in your company’s well being.
I was very happy to read that corporate India has taken this initiative of using services of counsellors. Companies like BPCL, IBM India, Tata Power, HCL, Glaxo SmithKline have tied up with Employee Assistance Provider companies that even provide personal counselling to employees of these companies. I checked the website of one such Employee Assistance Provided called 1to1help.net and was quite impressed with their services as mentioned on the site(something that I always aspired and still aspire to do). Talking of counselling, they provide personal, telephonic and online counselling, maintaining 100% confidentiality.
I sincerely urge the rest, to make use of such services for employee well being; it will definitely effect and reflect in your company’s well being.
Life is just too beautiful to be spent in agony or stress. Let’s stay happy and make the best of life!
