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The Healing Power of Counseling: Unlocking the Path to Recovery

In the face of illness, be it physical or mental, the journey toward healing can often feel like an uphill battle. However, there is a great ally that has been proven to make a significant difference in this process-counseling. While medical interventions play a crucial role in recovery, counseling offers a unique and essential approach to healing, providing invaluable support and guidance. Anahita Ghosh from Jamshedpur shares her journey of how counseling helped her pull herself out of a sinking mindset after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It’s just an operation and you will be fine after that,” is what Anahita, the 28-year-old teacher’s doctor assured her before the breast removal surgery. Ghosh was prepared for the physical changes in her body but what she had not anticipated was the mental trauma she would undergo coping with those changes.

“I just couldn’t deal with it. Whenever I would look in the mirror it would devastate me. The effect was such that I stopped eating, my sleep was disrupted, and nothing that my husband would say offered comfort.”

Anahita’s cancer returned after six months and she had to be hospitalized for chemotherapy. Her doctor suggested that she should consider a rehabilitation facility to help her cope with her chemotherapy side- effects.

One of the facilities offered by the rehabilitation center was counseling and Anahita was encouraged to speak to a counselor regularly. 

“Initially it felt like a burden to open up to a stranger and recount the entire experience but eventually I started feeling comfortable,” says Ghosh who recollects the calm and pleasant personality of the counselor who became more like a friend. According to her, the counselor not only made her face her fears after her surgery but also helped her with very doable ways to cope with the changes.

Ghosh says she is now much stronger and is geared to face any curveballs her cancer decides to throw her way. Her husband Amitav Ghosh a chartered accountant adds that Anahita’s newfound will to fight her present situation has also had a positive effect on her cancer which the doctors say is going into remission.

When we asked Anahita Ghosh what message she would like to give the readers, she encouraged people dealing with any kind of illness to consult a counselor if they are being affected mentally and getting depressed.

We also asked Juhi Ghatke a psychotherapist from Mumbai about the benefits of counseling for a person dealing with a medical condition.

Benefits of counseling while dealing with a medical condition

1. Emotional Support:

When faced with an illness, it is common to experience a range of complex emotions, such as fear, anxiety, sadness, and frustration. These emotions can be overwhelming and may hinder the recovery process. Counseling provides a safe space to express and explore these feelings, allowing individuals to release emotional burdens and gain a better understanding of their experience. Through compassionate guidance, counselors can help patients navigate the emotional roller coaster, fostering resilience, and enhancing overall well-being.

2. Empowerment and Self-Reflection:

Counseling empowers individuals by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth. It helps patients explore their strengths, values, and beliefs, enabling them to redefine their sense of identity beyond the illness. This process of self-discovery and self-acceptance can be transformative, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and motivation in the recovery journey. By focusing on personal strengths and cultivating a positive mindset, counseling equips individuals with the tools needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

3. Managing Stress and Anxiety:

Illness often brings about heightened levels of stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms and slow down the recovery process. Counseling equips individuals with effective stress management techniques and coping strategies tailored to their specific needs. Therapeutic interventions, such as mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, help patients regain control over their emotions and alleviate the burden of stress. By learning to manage stress, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and optimize their body’s natural healing abilities.

4. Enhancing Communication and Relationships:

Chronic illness can strain relationships, both with family and friends and with healthcare providers. Counseling plays a crucial role in improving communication skills, allowing individuals to express their needs, fears, and concerns effectively. Furthermore, couples or family counseling can help loved ones navigate the challenges posed by illness, strengthening their bond and fostering a supportive environment. By fostering healthy relationships and establishing effective communication channels, counseling provides a network of care that promotes healing and recovery.

5. Addressing Mental Health Challenges:

Illness, especially chronic or long-term conditions, can significantly impact an individual’s mental health. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders may arise as a result. Counseling professionals are equipped to address these challenges, providing appropriate interventions and support. By integrating mental health care into the recovery journey, counseling helps individuals achieve holistic healing, improving both their physical and psychological well-being.

In essence, while medical treatments and interventions are crucial for recovery from illness, the inclusion of counseling in the healing process is a vital component of comprehensive healthcare. It recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, acknowledging that true healing requires attention to both. By offering guidance, emotional support, and non-judgmental space, counseling enables individuals to navigate the complex emotional landscape of illness, promoting resilience, well-being, and a higher quality of life for both themselves and their loved ones.