REGISTRATION/TECH SUPPORT

1. If you are facing any issues with registration or require any tech related support, please call our number 1800 2588 345 (for CLAT) or 1800 2707 121 (for other institutions)

Counselling FAQs

Different modes

1. I want to take a counselling session. How should I take this forward?
   You may send in an email through your e counselling page. You may also place an online request for a Telephone counselling session or a Face-to-Face counselling session. At all times, do feel free to call us on 1800 2588 345 (for CLAT) or 1800 2707 121 (for other institutions) for any queries.
2. If I want to take an e counselling session then what should I write?
   You may write about anything that's on your mind that you feel is bothering you or has upset you. There are a few questions to guide you for your first email so that you are able to talk about your situation and the distress you are facing.
3. What modes of counselling are available?
   We offer 6 different forms of counseling. You may choose to interact with a counsellor through any one, or more than one form at any given time.
   
   eCounselling: interact with a counsellor through secure web-based email service.
   Telephone Counselling: speak to a counsellor on the telephone by prior appointment.
   Face-to-face counselling: meet a counsellor on campus by prior appointment. Emergency telephone sessions: if you have an urgent need you can speak to a counsellor on duty 24/7.
   Chat Counselling: interact with a counsellor through secure web-based messaging.
   Video Counselling: speak to a counsellor on video through prior appointment.
4. Is there one mode of counselling that is more effective than the others?
   Whichever mode of counselling you decide to use, you will be working with a trained professional counsellor, so all the modes could be equally effective, depending on your comfort level. However, with certain issues, a particular mode of counselling might be preferable or more effective. For example, if you are going through some sort of crisis or need urgent and immediate help, eCounselling would not be the ideal mode, and we would strongly recommend either telephonic or face-to-face counselling. Similarly in some situations the counsellor may feel that it is important to meet you in person. Your counsellor will make appropriate recommendations in such cases.
   Having said that, each of us has individual preferences, let's look at some examples:
   Sunil likes eCounselling sessions because:
   1. He feels it is easier to share when he does not have to see or hear the counsellor, particularly when the issue is sensitive or embarrassing.
   2. It is easily accessible and convenient to use at any time.
   3. He likes to re-read the responses of the counsellor.
   4. He feels it is more private and others cannot overhear him speaking.
   Anita prefers telephonic sessions because:
   
   1. She likes to receive an immediate response.
   2. She prefers to express herself by speaking rather than writing.
   3. She feels comfortable because she does not have to see the counsellor.
   4. She saves on commute time.
   Nikhil likes face-to-face sessions as:
   1. He feels that he can relate better when he can see who he is talking to.
   2. Sitting in a counseling room gives him a different atmosphere to think through his concerns.
   3. He is not distracted by other concerns and can focus better.
   Megha is comfortable with chat sessions because:
   1. She doesn't feel shy communicating via this medium
   2. She has a high comfort level talking while typing on her phone screen
   3. The responses are immediate and she gets time to think through her thoughts
   Asha is comfortable with video counselling sessions because:
   1. She is able to access the benefits of face-to-face counselling from a space she is comfortable with
   2. Her entire attention is focused on the counselling session
   3. She prefers to see who she is talking to during a counselling session
5. Can I switch from one mode to the other?
   If you wish to, you can shift from one form of counselling to another depending on your comfort level and convenience. However, it is important to remember that the same counsellor available to you online may not be available to you offline e.g., in a face-to-face session.
6. What are the advantages of online counselling (e counselling and chat counselling)?
   Going to a counsellor can be difficult. You may be embarrassed about a sensitive issue or concerned about what other people will think. Timings may be inconvenient and distances prohibitive. You may not be sure if you need to see a counsellor or if counselling will be helpful at all.
   Online counselling gives you privacy and anonymity. It is often much easier to share sensitive personal issues in writing. Many of our clients share with us issues that they have never spoken about before.
   It is convenient and easily accessible from the comfort of your own desktop or laptop at campus or in the hostel.
   Since everything is written down, you can choose to re-read your question as often as you like, write in installments or set aside your mail and edit it later. You have the option of taking all the time you need to think things through so you can write exactly what you mean, or to spontaneously write whatever comes to your mind. You can also read through the counsellor's responses any number of times and can trace your own progress as you review earlier sessions.
7. What is chat counseling?
   Counselling is a process that seeks to help you focus on and understand more clearly the issues that concern or trouble you. The counselor's role is to offer support and understanding, and to listen and respond in a non-judgmental way. S/he will respect your values, choices and lifestyle. Counselling can also help with making decisions, choices or changes that are right for you. It helps you to understand your problem more deeply and deal with it more efficiently. One should take counselling form as an open, receptive and confidential forum.
   In chat counseling, you would be able to interact with a counselor over the chat medium. Considering the extensive usage of phones, people find it comfortable and convenient to use chat as a medium to express their innermost feelings. Being able to discuss and receive immediate responses from a counselor can help a person to feel validated, heard and begin working on their concerns.
8. How can I avail chat counseling sessions?
   Once you log in at the SAP website: https://1to1help.net/uni, you will find the chat box on the bottom right hand corner. Click on the box to type in your query. As you send in the query, the counselor will verify your contact details such as Institution Name, Phone Number and Email ID. Kindly provide those details in order to begin the process of chat counseling.
   If you would like to request counseling sessions, you could request the same through chat. Counselor will verify your contact details such as Institution Name, Phone Number and Email ID. You could also request for an appointment by calling in at 1800 2588 345 (for CLAT) or 1800 2707 121 (for other institutions).
9. Will I be able to chat with the same counselor?
   Yes, you will speak with the same counselor for consecutive sessions.
10. How many counseling sessions would I get?
    You could decide this in collaboration with your counselor, as to how many sessions you would need.
11. Are my chat counseling sessions confidential?
    Your interaction with the counselor is confidential and none of the details are shared with anybody. However if there is a risk of suicide or if someone is thinking about harming themselves or others, the counselor would be required to inform the institution to ensure safety and well being.
12. What are the timings when I could use chat counseling?
    A counselor would be available to chat with you from 9am - 8pm, Mondays to Fridays and 9am - 6pm, Saturdays.
13. How long is each chat counseling session?
    Each chat counseling session would be 45 minutes to 1-hour long. So we would recommend you to fix a chat counseling session, when you could spare that amount of time.
14. What if I am not satisfied with the chat counseling session?
    If you are not satisfied with the chat counseling session, then request for another counselor or try a different mode of counseling such as telephonic or face-to-face.

PROCESS OF COUNSELLING

1. How can counselling help?
   Counselling will help you manage your own problems using your own resources. As you describe your problem, the very act of expressing your feelings to a person who is not judging you will be helpful. The counsellor, a trained professional, will help you understand yourself and the problem from different angles or perspectives, by suggesting options that you may not have considered. You can then choose how you would manage the problem based on this new knowledge.
2. For what issues can I get help?
   Some of the issues for which people frequently seek help are:
   PERSONAL: lack of confidence, anger management, bereavement, loneliness and depression, shyness, sexual concerns, overcoming habits (smoking, pornography, alcohol, drugs), traumatic past experiences, bullying/ragging, fear or group discussions/team meetings, personality development etc.
   RELATIONSHIP: marriage (frequent conflicts, unmet expectations, in-law concerns, infidelity, sexual difficulties), and pre-marital issues, relationships with friends of same and opposite sex, fall out with friends, break-up of romantic relationships, family concerns, lack of assertiveness etc.
   ACADEMIC or COURSE RELATED: feeling pressurized, self doubt, issues with professors/classmates, time management, procrastination, lack of motivation, concerns about career, questions about the future after course completion, issues with non-academic activities etc.
   (This is just intended to give you a general idea of the range of issues and it's alright if you wish to talk about any other kind of issue.)
3. Who can benefit from counselling?
   Any person who is going through a difficult time and feels confused or overwhelmed can talk to a counsellor. Anybody looking for a neutral perspective about an issue in a relationship, having a wish to strengthen a particular area (e.g. self-confidence), or feeling stuck at college can connect with a counsellor. Since emotions cannot be erased or deleted, talking it out often helps. In fact, counsellors themselves access counselling from time to time to ensure their own well-being, so as to provide adequate counselling support to you as well as from time to time to ensure that we are able to provide adequate counselling support to you.
4. I have family & friends, why do I need a counsellor?
   Very often friends and family are not easily accessible for support, especially if you've moved away from the place in which you grew up. Sometimes even when they are and want to be available, they might not have an objective view, or we may not want to worry them with our problems. Sometimes family and friends may be part of the problem. A counsellor, being a third person, can provide a neutral, unbiased perspective as you talk and work through the issues.
5. How do I schedule an appointment?
   
   1. eCounselling
      You don't need any appointment for this - just go to the eCounselling page and start writing. You will find a few questions to help you frame your initial query. A counsellor will respond to your email within two working days. Subsequent counselling sessions will happen with the same counsellor.
   2. Telephone, Face-to-Face Counselling, Video Counselling
      1. Place a request online. A counsellor will call back to schedule an appointment.
      2. Call 1800 2588 345 (for CLAT) or 1800 2707 121 (for other institutions) the counsellor who responds will ask if you have registered with us, if not they will help you with the registration process.
      3. If your schedule permits you to interact immediately with the counsellor, you will have a brief initial interview with the counsellor to set the expectations for future sessions. If not they will set up a time for this brief conversation.
      4. The counsellor will then schedule a regular appointment for telephone or face-to-face counselling at a mutually convenient time.
      5. You will then receive a mail confirming your appointment.
   3. Chat Counselling: Please look at the Chat FAQs section
6. How long will each counselling session take?
   A counselling session will last for 45 minutes to an hour.
7. How many sessions will I need?
   Each one of us is unique and our circumstances are also different. In some situations, it is possible to resolve the concern in a single session and at other times more sessions may be required. You and your counsellor will come to this understanding together so that the concern is comfortably addressed.
8. What will it cost?
   All counselling interactions are free of cost for you.
9. What if I am unable to keep my appointment?
   Please think carefully about your personal and academic commitments before scheduling an appointment. We do understand however, that sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be unable to keep an appointment. In such cases, please call in advance to cancel or reschedule. This will enable your counsellor to offer that slot to someone else.

SELF HELP RESOURCES

1. On what topics do you have articles?
   There is a vast collection of articles on various topics such as relationships, academic anxiety, procrastination, sexual harassment on campus, finding the right career path, suicidal ideation and much more. Readers can browse through these articles and share comments/feedback on the article link itself or via email.
2. Who has written these articles?
   Every single one of these articles has been written by an in house counsellor or a Wellness coach. The articles are based on research and client experiences.
3. Can I contribute to any article?
   We would love to hear from you and you may share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also email us mentioning wanting to learn about specific topics or suggest writing a piece yourself on a topic you feel you connect to deeply.
4. How long will it take me to take a quiz/self-assessment?
   Your time is important to us and each quiz will take you about 5 mins. What's better is that you get an immediate response from a counsellor and each quiz is standardized.

ABOUT THE COUNSELLING SESSION

1. Are the counsellors qualified?
   Counselling (whether online, telephonic or face-to-face) will be provided by a qualified, trained counsellor. All our counsellors have a minimum of a Masters in Psychology, Counselling or a Behavioural Science with special training in counselling theory and skills. The counsellors also continually upgrade their skills and knowledge.
   This is very important because the wrong kind of help could harm rather than help. When required you may be directed to a specialist in an appropriate field.
2. Will I have the same counsellor each time?
   Once you have used our counselling service, all future sessions will be automatically directed to the same counsellor. This allows for continuity of work and protects your confidentiality.
3. What happens in an Initial Interview?
   You have a conversation with a qualified counsellor that lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes to briefly understand your concern and your expectations from counselling. We may use this information to assign the counsellor who is best suited to address your concern, as well as to ensure that continued counselling sessions focus on what really matters to you.
4. Do I have to give a lot of personal information?
   We do not require you to give any details about your department/class or any other identifying data. However it does help if you give the counsellor details about the relevant problem(s) you are facing as much as possible. The more relevant the information you provide, the more applicable the counselling inputs will be. If you choose not to reveal details, we will still attempt to help you, though you may find the counselling replies more generalized. This information will not be used for any other purpose, nor will it be revealed to anyone else.
5. Do counsellors give medication?
   A counsellor deals with the emotional and psychological aspects of life and helps you deal with issues using psychological and behavioural techniques. Counsellors are not medical doctors and therefore do not prescribe medication.
   In case a counsellor identifies some concern for which medical assessment or intervention is required, you will be referred to an appropriate medical specialist.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY

1. Is the counselling confidential? Will my institution get to know about these sessions?
   The foundation of counselling is trust. And at 1to1help, we consider this a core ethic. The service of counseling is completely confidential and your personal information will be treated with utmost discretion.
   No information will be shared with anyone, including your institution, without your prior consent. Not even the names of those who have used the counselling service are shared. The institution is only given statistical information as and when required relating to usage of services.
   The one exception to this is in the case of risk to life or property. In accordance with global counselling ethics, we are required to take steps to ensure safety when there is a risk of suicide or homicide. In your best interests, counsellors will reach out to anyone you feel must be contacted in case of such an event and/or medical personnel. if we identify any signs of threat to life. Even in this situation, we will continue to maintain confidentiality regarding the concerns discussed and only share information that is necessary to ensure yours or someone else's safety.
   You are important and we value your safety.
2. How will you keep my information secure and protect my privacy?
   
   1. All transactions on our website utilize secure technology to protect your privacy and prevent any unauthorized access to your information. All data is encrypted and our web portal is Verisign certified.
   2. You will be writing your query directly on our website so it will not go through your institution's mail server.
   3. You can read your counsellor's responses on a password-protected 'My Page' on our website and so don't have to worry about anyone else having access to them. Please see our privacy policy for further details on the information that we collect and how we protect your privacy.
3. What can I do to ensure security from my end?
   Your greatest "security risk" is most likely to arise from the record you keep of your e-mail. Anyone who has access to your computer could potentially read any information you keep there, including your e-mail.
   If you share a computer on campus, take additional precautions to ensure that no one else can see your mail. In case you take a printout of the responses, be careful not to leave it lying around.

WHAT IF I HAVE THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE?

1. If you have any thoughts of committing suicide, or you feel your problem is so severe you just can't take it anymore, please reach out for help immediately.
   We are here to help you, however for more complete support and protection at this time, you will need to also enlist help from among your own family and friends. You will need to have additional support to deal adequately with the stress you are experiencing. Our strong recommendation will also be for you to consult a psychiatrist. Please consult the on-campus hospital if you are on campus, or any private/public tertiary care hospital in your vicinity if not on campus.
   
   1. Phone a trusted friend, relative or faculty member and ask them to talk or come over right away.
   2. Seek an immediate appointment with a psychiatrist or hospital.
   Call us on 1800 2588 345 (for CLAT) or 1800 2707 121 (for other institutions) for immediate emotional support, counselling assistance, or help with setting up a consultation with a psychiatrist. We are here to help.
   
2. Can I report a case of Sexual Harassment to the counsellor?
   In this situation, the counsellor will provide support and assistance, while maintaining confidentiality. Discussing an incident of sexual harassment is not the same as reporting it to your institute's internal complaints committee or a supervisor/ professor/student in your institution . The counsellor will be able to provide emotional support, give you a safe space to think through your options and decide what you wish to do about the situation. If you want the counsellor to help you report the incident, this will be done only with your written consent. In the absence of your written consent, the counsellor will inform the institution that there is a case of potential harassment but will not provide any identifying details.
   While you are welcome to take the support of a counsellor in this case, we strongly recommend that you also use your institution's redressal system for such cases.