How do I check whether a therapist in India is properly qualified?

Ask directly about their degree: look for an M.A., M.Sc., or M.Phil. in psychology from a recognised university. For psychiatrists, an M.D. (Psychiatry) is standard. Asking "what training have you had in the method you use?" is equally fair. No single registering body covers all therapists in India the way the BPS covers the UK, so the degree and the specific training are your main indicators.

Can I do therapy online, or is in-person better?

Multiple meta-analyses show online therapy is comparable to in-person therapy for most presenting difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Online removes travel barriers, which matters especially for clients in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Some clients find the relative distance of a screen helpful for early disclosure; others prefer the physical presence of in-person work. Both are valid starting points.

How much does a course of therapy at Lilac Minds cost?

Sessions are ₹1,500 each. A typical focused course is eight to sixteen sessions, putting a full course in the range of ₹12,000 to ₹24,000. There is no insurance billing currently; receipts are provided for personal records or employer wellness reimbursement where applicable. There is no hidden "assessment fee" — the first session is ₹1,500 like any other.

What if I do not feel comfortable with my therapist after a few sessions?

The therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of outcome. If after three or four sessions you do not feel understood, it is entirely appropriate to raise this with the therapist or to seek a different one. A good therapist will not take this personally. Switching is not failure — it is using your own judgment about what you need, which is itself a sign the therapy has had some effect.

Is everything I say in therapy confidential?

Yes, with narrow, legally defined exceptions. A therapist may share information if there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or a named third party, or if required by a court order. Outside these situations, what you discuss in sessions cannot be shared with your family, employer, or anyone else without your written consent. This applies equally to online sessions.

How is therapy different from just venting to someone who listens well?

Venting with a good listener provides temporary relief but rarely produces durable change. A therapist uses a structured framework — identifying patterns, testing beliefs, building new responses — that is different from sympathetic listening. The therapist also maintains neutrality: they have no stake in what you decide, no competing relationship with the people in your life, and no history with you that shapes what they can hear. The structure and the neutrality together are what make it therapeutic rather than merely comforting.

Therapy Explained: A Complete Guide to Psychotherapy, Modalities, and How to Choose

Therapy is a word that covers hundreds of methods, dozens of credentials, and one core idea: that talking to a trained person in a structured way can change the way you feel, think, and act. This guide unpacks that idea from first principles. Whether you are considering therapy for the first time, wondering which type is right for you, or trying to understand what actually happens in a session, this is the complete reference.

What is therapy, exactly?

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, developed by Albert Ellis, was one of the earliest cognitive therapies. Its central argument is that emotional distress is caused not by events but by the irrational beliefs we hold about them — especially rigid demands phrased as \

How is psychotherapy different from counselling?

Therapy Explained: A Complete Guide to Psychotherapy, Modalities, and How to Choose

What is therapy, exactly?

How is psychotherapy different from counselling?

What does \

What are the main types of therapy, and how do they differ?

What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

What is psychodynamic therapy?

What is humanistic and person-centred therapy?

What is REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy)?

What is DBT, and who is it for?

What is EMDR?

What is mindfulness-based therapy?

What happens in a first therapy session?

What does the therapeutic alliance mean, and why does it matter?

How long does therapy take?

How do I know if I need therapy rather than talking to a friend or a coach?

Who is qualified to do therapy in India?

Is therapy worth it if my family does not support it?

What does therapy look like at Lilac Minds?