Therapy - Frequently asked questions.
One in seven people in India face mental health issues like stress, anxiety or depression. Many don’t seek help due to lack of awareness, fear of vulnerability or social stigma. Below, you'll find answers by psychotherapist Khushnaaz that demystify common questions about therapy.
General questions about therapy
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Everyone deserves support, but sometimes it can be hard to ask for help and feel scary to take the first step. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions, build insight, and gain tools for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Therapy only works in a space of trust and respect. I’m committed to creating that space for everyone, no matter what your background, situation, identity, or lived experiences.
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I have supported clients with all kinds of struggles. While therapy does not provide instant fixes, a good therapist can help you deal with whatever comes your way.
Whatever the problems and challenges that you may have faced - or may be facing - I’m committed to hearing you, without minimising any part of what you want or need support with. Together, we will develop effective tools and strategies which you can use to help you experience your life in a more happy and fulfilling way.
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It is not uncommon to experience hesitancy, apprehension or anxiety before starting sessions with a new therapist: it is one of the most vulnerable steps a person can take to sit across from another person, and let yourself be known.
This may unearth feelings that you haven’t felt in a long time, but the process is designed to support you to discover who you are underneath your struggle. At times it may feel hard, but hard in the right direction instead of hard in the wrong direction. As your therapist, I’m here to support you through those steps, and if you feel things are too hard, or aren’t working, we will talk about it, change directions and try something new as needed.
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If you choose to begin your journey with me, we will shall have our first session which will help you decide if I am a good fit for you. This also gives us the chance to talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you would like to change and to begin creating a plan. It give me a chance to learn more about you, your background, and your current situation. We will then decide together about which approaches best fit your needs and the frequency of our sessions. Sometimes a few initial sessions are enough to help you move forward and at other times sessions it may take longer. However, my relationship with you as your therapist goes beyond our scheduled session.
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It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions after a session. Some weeks you might feel lighter, clearer, or relieved. Other times, especially if difficult memories or emotions surface, you may feel unsettled, tired, or even emotionally raw, often referred to as a “therapy hangover.” These ups and downs are part of the process.
In the long term, many clients begin to notice subtle but powerful shifts: increased self-awareness, better emotional regulation, healthier boundaries and stronger decision-making. Remember, progress isn’t always linear. You might revisit old patterns, feel stuck, or question whether therapy is working, all of which are part of meaningful growth.
That’s why I encourage clients to pace themselves, allow space after sessions to integrate insights and stay committed even when it’s uncomfortable. The discomfort is often a sign that something important is unfolding. And through it all, I’m here to support you.
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It is hard to put a number on this as everyone, and what they bring to therapy, is different. The number of sessions that people have varies depending on what they want to work on, the underlying factors behind the issues, your receptiveness to therapy and commitment to working on issues between sessions. Some people are keen to have a short-term or time-limited therapy plan and it’s really helpful to share that with me so we can plan accordingly. Others may choose to see how they feel as the therapy progresses, while some seek longer-term therapy.
Breaks in therapy are also beneficial at times when you are ready to introduce what you have learned from therapy in your life on your own and also in finding out what you would like to focus on once you are ready to restart sessions again.
You can stop therapy at any point but the most benefit is found in ongoing, regular sessions for anyone in all walks of life.
Common questions about therapy with me
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I’m a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with a deep passion for understanding the human mind and supporting meaningful transformation.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from M. S. University, Baroda. I completed clinical training at GIPS Psychiatric Hospital and advanced training in RE-CBT at the Albert Ellis Institute, New York.
Beyond my clinical work, I mentor psychology students and early-career professionals and contribute regularly to mental health platforms like Mint Lounge. I have been a speaker on podcasts like thetherapydiariez, ZenZmentalhealth and FromStruggleToStrength. Additionally, I have helped writers create authentic, psychologically rich characters for a web series.
I have co-authored a book on mental well-being in Gujarati titled “Mann Tandurust Toh Jindagi Durust”, aimed at making psychological concepts accessible and relatable for everyone.
Read more about what I do off the couch @beyondthecouch -
I have completed rigorous clinical training which incorporates a range of approaches and theories, including RE-CBT, CBT, DBT, Psychodynamics, NLP, and Mindfulness. I borrow, adapt and integrate a variety of theories, tools and techniques from these evidence based methods, tailoring the therapy appropriately to each client. This is referred to as an eclectic or pluralistic approach. Learn more about my eclectic and holistic approach.
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To help you decide whether we might be an effective team, it’s important to know how I view therapy and how I practice.
First and foremost, if we work together, we’ll really be in it together, in the pain and confusion and overwhelm of your present circumstances and in the hope for relief, understanding, freedom, and clarity down the road.
I’ll listen, witness, question, advocate. I’ll challenge you to stretch and breathe. I’ll push when necessary, and encourage you to remain curious. And if you struggle to hold onto hope as we go, I can hold it for you until you can hold it for yourself.
Book an introductory call.
Common questions about the sessions
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I offer both in-person and online therapy sessions, depending on what suits you best.
In-person sessions take place at my private practice in a quiet, green part of Mumbai, designed to offer a calming space away from the city's noise, where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect. No two sessions are alike. They're guided by presence, care, and a pace that suits you, not the clock.
Online sessions bring therapy to you wherever you are. Whether you're at home, in a car, or traveling, we’ll connect in a way that feels supportive and convenient. These sessions are just as meaningful as in-person ones and are tailored to your place and pace. Sessions can take place over WhatsApp Video, Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or any platform you prefer.
Whichever format you choose, the work is grounded in care, adaptability, and the understanding that real healing can’t be rushed.
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Absolutely. If visiting my practice isn’t possible, whether due to location, mobility, a packed schedule, or personal preference, we can work together in other ways.
I offer online sessions that you can join from anywhere in the world, and on-location sessions within Mumbai (at your home, office, vanity van, shoot location, or another space that works for you).
These sessions are offered case-by-case and are designed to integrate seamlessly into your day without compromising depth or quality.
The work remains just as meaningful, it’s less about the setting and more about how we show up.
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For international clients, I offer dedicated morning slots between 8:00 and 10:00 AM IST, and select evening appointments around 7:00 or 7:30 PM to manage the time zones quite smoothly. These time slots can be further adjusted to accommodate your time zone and scheduling needs.
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While sessions typically last 60 minutes, I adapt them to individual pace. Each session is just long enough to unravel thoughts and peel back the layers, without the pressure of a ticking clock. I never leave you feeling unheard or emotionally unsettled, or on edge. My humanistic approach is grounded in presence, care, and the belief that true healing can’t be rushed.
I understand that longer sessions may be preferable for couples or when working through a crisis. -
All therapists and counsellors are bound by a code of ethics and are required to maintain confidentiality in sessions between the client and themselves. In order for you to feel comfortable and able to share openly you need to know your information is safe from the very beginning. It is important to note that there are some limits to confidentiality when the well-being of the patient or people in the patient’s life may be at risk. This is all laid out in my working agreement and will be discussed in your first session.
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Not at all. While some clients prefer a fixed weekly time for consistency, I understand that life isn’t always predictable, especially if you're managing a dynamic schedule, travel, or shifting time zones. My approach is flexible: we can adjust session timings week to week, depending on your availability and needs.
Whether you're booking in advance or checking in last-minute, we’ll find a time that works. The goal is to support your growth without adding stress to your calendar.
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I offer a free introductory call to help us get to know each other, understand what you’re looking for, and see if we’re the right fit, no pressure, no commitment.
After that, session fees are tailored based on the format (in-person, online, or on-location), timing, and specific needs. I believe therapy should feel supportive, not transactional, so I aim to keep it thoughtful and flexible.
For details on pricing that fits your situation, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to walk you through the options.
Common questions about types of therapy
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While most couples therapists work with the relationship, and each person is involved equally, I work with each one of you individually first, before our joint sessions, under the umbrella of couples therapy in a way that it would be beneficial to your relationship. If you want to know more about how I work with couples read about my unique approach to couples therapy.
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It’s common for loved ones to feel hesitant about therapy. Change is personal, and sometimes people need time to feel ready. You can gently share why you think therapy might help, focusing on support rather than pressure. Encouraging open conversations and normalizing mental health care can make a difference.
Ultimately, the decision to start therapy has to come from them. Meanwhile, taking care of your own well-being and seeking support for yourself is equally important.
If you want guidance on how to approach this or support them in other ways, feel free to reach out.
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The minimum age I work with is 13 years old. For children under 13, I recommend connecting with a therapist who specialises in child therapy to ensure the right kind of support.
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready or would benefit from starting now, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to guide you in the right direction.
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I am skilled at engaging reluctant teens and adolescents, creating environments where they feel comfortable opening up at their own pace.
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I do not provide formal diagnoses, but I will usually be able to advise you on appropriate services you might want to contact, should this be necessary.
If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help!