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What to Expect from a Mental Health Professional

  • rasika773
  • Oct 16
  • 5 min read

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on what to expect from a mental health professional in India. Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid. What you, as a bystander, are going through while supporting a survivor is absolutely okay and typical too!  If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."


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Written by: Samyuktha Sairam


Why might you need to see a mental health professional?

Sexual violence and abuse can profoundly affect both physical and mental health. Such experiences may alter how you see yourself and how you interact with the world, impacting your daily routine, your relationships, and your ability to work or study. It is crucial to remember that none of this is your fault, and that no two experiences are the same.


Responses to traumatic experiences such as gender-based violence (GBV) vary widely from person to person, and every response is valid. Many survivors face mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Trauma can also manifest through responses such as dissociation—where a person feels disconnected from their identity or emotions—or repression, where distressing memories are unconsciously suppressed.


GBV can affect anyone, regardless of gender, culture, or background. Therefore, ensuring that appropriate resources and support systems are accessible to all is essential.


A mental health professional can provide valuable guidance throughout the recovery process, which can often feel overwhelming. They can help you manage the stress and emotional challenges that may arise as you heal.(Pappas, 2002; Smith & Segal, 2025)

What can you expect from a session with a mental health professional?

As mentioned earlier, a mental health professional (MHP) can help guide you through your recovery process. They can assist in navigating the nuances of your specific situation, identifying your triggers and understanding how they affect you, while also helping you develop effective coping strategies.

Disclosing your experience is a deeply personal and often difficult decision.

Sharing details can be even more challenging. An MHP can support you by creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable discussing your experiences and emotions. It is entirely your choice what and when to disclose. Your MHP should never pressure you to share more than you are ready to.


In addition to addressing short-term symptoms of distress, it is important to build coping mechanisms that support your long-term well-being. An MHP can provide personalized strategies to help you manage stress and gain perspective on your recovery journey.


Some common therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps restructure unhelpful thought patterns, and relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation. Another widely used approach is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which integrates meditation and yoga to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and promote adaptability in survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).(Latif et al., 2025)


How should you feel during a session with a mental health professional?

Sharing your story with a mental health professional (MHP) is an incredibly brave decision that takes a great deal of courage. It is essential that you feel comfortable expressing your feelings without fear of judgment. Feeling anxious before your first therapy session is very common, and it is entirely normal to feel apprehensive about discussing personal aspects of your life with a stranger. Over time, however, it often becomes easier to open up, and many people find it deeply comforting to have someone listen to their story in a safe, nonjudgmental space.


A therapist can help you identify any negative or destructive patterns you may be exhibiting and assist you in developing healthier alternatives. A good therapist fosters a sense of acceptance and validation. They will not belittle your feelings or dismiss your concerns.


Cultural sensitivity is also an essential part of effective therapy. A competent therapist will respect and value your cultural background and upbringing, particularly when offering advice or suggesting coping strategies. During the initial sessions, a therapist will typically spend time understanding your cultural experiences and how they influence your perspective, in order to provide the most supportive and relevant guidance.


Therapists may also challenge certain beliefs or thought patterns, which can be an important part of the therapeutic process. A good therapist will offer insights and feedback, even if difficult to hear, but always with your best interests in mind. Importantly, they will not question or undermine your cultural values or upbringing; rather, they will provide validation while tailoring interventions to be culturally appropriate. Cultural competency can include communicating in a client’s native language or adapting techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to align with cultural norms, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes, particularly for ethnic minority groups (Sue et al., 2009).


When addressing sensitive topics, such as sexual assault, it is crucial that you feel safe and supported in the therapeutic space. If at any point during a session you feel unable to speak freely, fear being judged, or feel invalidated, it is strongly encouraged that you communicate these concerns with your therapist. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to consider ending the therapeutic relationship to protect your well-being (Greenstein, 2018).

What can you do if your mental health professional makes you feel uncomfortable?

A therapist should make you feel comfortable in their presence, especially since you are confiding in them. They should be reliable, trustworthy, and respectful, ensuring that you feel heard throughout your therapeutic journey. As discussed previously, it is essential that you feel safe discussing your experiences.


However, therapists are not infallible and may make mistakes along the way. Communicating your concerns can help them better understand your needs and adjust their approach accordingly. Sharing feedback with someone you trust can feel intimidating, as it is natural to avoid conflict. A good therapist, however, is self-aware and mature, and will acknowledge any mistakes and work to correct them. How your therapist responds to your feedback is an important indicator of their professionalism and approach; it can help improve the effectiveness of your therapy.


At no point should a therapist make you feel unsafe, invalidated, or uncomfortable. If you do feel this way, you have every right to terminate the therapeutic relationship and seek a more supportive professional (Abraham, 2025). Whenever possible, consider reporting any malpractice to prevent future clients from facing similar issues. In India, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) oversees clinical psychologists and therapists. Formal complaints can be addressed to the Member Secretary, Shri Ashish Thakare, as of 2025. It is important to document any incidents thoroughly, as detailed evidence strengthens your case. Alternatively, malpractice can also be reported to your respective State Mental Health Authority following the same procedure.


It is important to remember that you are always allowed to request a different therapist for any reason. You do not need to justify your decision to any higher authority. If your current therapist makes you feel uncomfortable, you have every right to end the therapeutic relationship and find a professional who better meets your needs.

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