Indian Institute of Counselling

Indian Institute of Counselling The IIC is a centre for individual, family and marriage counselling. For More information go on http://www.indiancounselling.com

It offers various services, including personal growth and development training, academic and life-skills training. The Indian Institute of Counselling offers professional counselling services to individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing services that would enhance emotional and psychological well-being leading to a healthier and balanced life. IIC also offers a one year post-graduate diploma in counselling through distance education. We do extensive corporate training in soft skills and personality development. We also offer Experiential counselling training workshops that provides a more hands on experience in learning counselling skills.

23/12/2020

COVID HAS TAUGHT ADAPTABILITY AND TOLERANCE

• People have learnt to work from home.
• One can switch easily work and family responsibilities.
• One can schedule one’s own breaks.
• Colleagues and friends are not indispensable.
• Travelling to work is no more a necessity.
• Working as a team is possible, even alone.
• Coordination of diverse ideas seems to become better.
• Limited interactions enable more task achievements.
• There is more time for family because one is around at home, longer.
• Family closeness has increased.
• Life has found a new meaning and value.
• Health and hobbies have a great impetus.
• Creativity is on the rise as one has to do things differently.
• People tolerate each other more due to the need for co-existence.
• Children, pets, elderly and others get due recognition.
• One sees life from a multi-dimensional perspective.

This is healthy, wholesome and very adaptive.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R. Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

23/12/2020

Not everything is under control, everything need not be perfect. Working according to a schedule is great. Doing things perfectly is wonderful. However things don't always work out in an orderly way. Then there is the need to please everybody. All these result in getting burnout.


This situation can lead to demotivation, loss of energy and giving up easily.To prevent this from happening:-

• Ignore small lapses in schedule.
• Avoid seeking perfection in every task.
• Concede that mistakes can happen. They can be corrected, easily.
• Remember that is not easy to please everyone all the time. So choose your priorities suitably.
• Learn to let go many things.
• One realises the futility of many things we hang to needlessly.
• Prepare to log out of your work at a fixed time.
• Give yourself me time without guilt.
• The act of caring for yourself, is a needed priority.
• This alone enables one to function in a balanced way. This is the ultimate way for achieving good mental health.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R. Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

23/12/2020

Our mind works in binaries. There is an inherent need to classify everything into opposing categories.

• We see people as good or bad.
• Children as smart or dumb.
• Men as strong or weak.
• Women as givers or takers.
• Bosses as kind or harsh.
• Teachers as friendly or cruel.
• Doctors as capable or incapable.
• Drivers as competent or incompetent.
• Athletes as winners or losers
• Nurses as caring as opposed to uncaring.
• Workers as honest or as dishonest.
• Kids as easy or difficult Husbands as understanding or dense.
• Food as tasty or tasteless.
• The world as colouful or colourless.
• Race in terms of black and white.
• Morality as good or evil.
• Groups as extremists or liberals.
• Countries as first world or third world.
• Attitudes as rigid or flexible.
• Children as gifted or special Health as being normal or diseased.

Everywhere one is right and the other is wrong. Such an evaluation requires fixing the wrong. This is the paradigm for functioning. The tragedy lies in the ignoring of the middle or grey area that exists.
This is substantial and does not belong to either side yet the polarities force us to think in these terms.

We need to be aware and exercise caution in the way we treat people and situations. This alone represents a balanced and fair outlook.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

23/12/2020

FEAR AS THE BIGGEST INHIBITOR

Fear is an evolutionary factor aimed at survival. It prevents recklessness and thereby protects. But when fear dominates, it limits the best in functioning.

Fear makes one become defensive. Defensive reactions are inherently restrictive caution that is elicited by fear, focuses on being right or correct. Then conventional thinking and actions follow. Here creative pursuits and bold thinking becomes a casualty. This is the outcome of fear ruling one's life choices.

HOW TO GET PAST FEAR?

• Look at rules as guidelines, not as boundaries.
• Go beyond regulations and see the larger picture.
• Stay with the issue on hand, but step aside to get a new perspective.
• Stop putting the pieces together and gain a total orientation.
• Get over the need to be right, all the time.
• Remember that if one is wrong, it can be corrected Life is not an all or none situation.
• Lack of innovativeness is the path to mediocrity.
• This is what makes most of us so very ordinary.

Unique people are those who have conquered their fears. It is a robust and healthy mental attitude to have.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R. Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

18/12/2020

HARDINESS PROVIDES PSYCHOLOGICAL IMMUNITY

• Hardiness is the ability of the system to withstand stresses.
• It is an inherent individual trait.
• It enables an individual to recover better and faster from stress.
• Hardiness is also useful for stress prevention.
• This explains why individuals respond differently to stress.

HOW TO DEVELOP HARDINESS?

• Viewing situations and people, positively.
• Having a healthy lifestyle.
• Developing ones strengths.
• Associating with warm/friendly people.
• Building one's self esteem.
• Engaging in activities where some success is ensured.
• Preventing toxic situations as far as possible.
• Encouraging protective factors like healthy relationships, steady job, happy marriage, fulfilling life etc.
• Making living conditions pleasant and comfortable.
• Having a belief system that is emotionally supportive.

All these boost one's hardiness .This in turn increases psychological immunity. This makes a person mentally healthy.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R. Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

11/12/2020

THE PANDEMIC HAS TAUGHT US SHARING: THIS IS PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY

• This year is one of the most forgettable of the era.
• We are now a world that is used to sharing and bonding.
• To begin with, we have all shared the virus, none spared.
• Staying indoors, everyone has shared roof or room.
• Everyone has learnt to share the sanitizer.
• People share their entertainment viewing.
• Out of boredom, snacks are consumed with others.
• We are Ok sharing our bathrooms, laptops and even clothes.
• Women are prepared to share their kitchens.
• Most of all people are open to sharing their worries/anxieties.
• Children tell about their fears/ abuses.
• People are donating more than ever before.
• Domestic violence is now exported to agencies.
• The elderly are now willing to share their wisdom and wealth.
• Writers are sharing tales of horror and heroism.
• Companies are providing for employees to share their concerns.
• Teachers are sharing their notes with pupils.
• Couples are bonding with one another, better.
• Families are finding means to share the antidote to the virus.
• The world has realized, we are one, togetherness is critical.

All these signify a healthy mental state to be in. Let us hope that we can take this forward for improved human well-being.

Written by: Dr Vasantha R Patri ( Psychologist/ Counsellor)

09/12/2020

MEANINGFUL GIFTING : MAKE IT WORTHWHILE

• Often buying gifts for someone is always a struggle.
• Rarely does the receiver find it to his/her liking.
• It is passed on to others or put away in storage.
• At these times, when all of us are cooped up in our homes, space is a precious commodity.
• Also, decluttering one's mind, home and is a new mantra.
• Giving money as a gift is a simple solution. So, one has to be more thoughtful, while gifting.

WHAT GIFTS ARE RIGHT/GOOD?

• Today, people cherish memories, most.
• Nothing can be more valued than an experience.
• There are imaginative ways to gift this.
• One of the best gifts I received was a 1 year subscription to the National Geographic magazine.
• Our daughter sent on a cruise to the Bahamas. Also took us to Dali painting exhibition. We were given a yearlong professional exercise regimen.
• My cousin took us to see the cute baby penguins in the Phillip island in Australia.
• These form our most wonderful of experiences.
• They fill us with sheer ecstasy.
• The possibilities are endless ultimately, experiences make life truly special. Gifting them would be the most mindful of all.
• This is the best way to make a gift, count It is the most exciting and precious thing that one can give.

Such a gift is healthy beyond belief. One can never go wrong, either.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R. Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

07/12/2020

PANDEMIC ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY PROBLEMS IN KIDS AND ADULTS

• Urban living has added to health problems.
• Excessive screen time, boredom, staying indoors. All have led to food as a source of gratification.
• Food has an emotional connection to our life.
• We eat when happy, when bored, when tired, when anxious and also for no reason at all.
• All these factors are present in these trying times.
• Food is easily available at home, online and elsewhere.
• So eating is a main stay for everyone’s life.
• With little exercise, adding weight is inevitable.
• Doctors find young, old and middle aged all heavier than 10 months ago.
• This hassled to pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions.
• Blood pressure and reduced immunity are other problems.
• Back pain, spondylosis, constipation and hormonal problems are on the rise.
• People have become moody and this leads to more eating.
• This in turn makes the condition, worse.
• People feel poor about themselves and end up eating more.

HOW TO BREAK THIS EATING CYCLE?

 Have a good routine of waking/eating sleeping etc.
 Make exercise a part of the routine.
 Develop a hobby that you enjoy.
 Make family eating time, a happy one.
 Eat when hungry, not for other reasons.
 Eat slowly and mindfully.
 Be conscious of what and how much you eat.
 Bring life- style changes into your schedule.
 Enjoy nature and its beauty.
 Do things that are helpful to others.
 See how eating becomes less important and better controlled.

Eating is a matter of attitude and mental health.

Written by: Vasantha R Patri ( Psychologist/ Counsellor)

07/12/2020

THE POWER OF SILENCE

Indian culture gives importance to the practice of silence. Ascetics retreated away for peace and quiet, periodically 'Maun' or remaining non-communicative, was considered virtuous

What is the value of silence?

• Silence is seen as helpful for conserving human energy.
• It is a means to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
• Silence helps in introspection.
• It is beneficial for prioritizing.
• Silence enables better focus and concentration.
• Silence is a form of discipline.
• It helps in orienting oneself properly.
• It prevents distractions; fully Silence offers a period of incubation.
• This is valuable for resolving conflicts.
• Silence is a great stress-buster.
• Silence provides a healthy state-of – mind.
• It is a truly empowering experience.

Written by: Dr.Vasantha R.Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

04/12/2020

NEED TO PROTECT MENTAL HEALTH

New research shows that anxiety in young people doubled in these times.
What are the anxieties caused by:
• Fear of losing their job.
• Inability to settle their loans.
• Disturbance to careers/growth.
• Difficulties with WFH and living conditions.
• Worries over children and their future.
• Problems concerning the elderly and their illness.
• Coping with home responsibilities/ work demands.
• Trouble in budgeting family expenses.
• Unable to plan for family life/ marriage etc.
• Managing interpersonal relationships in close proximity, long term.
• Not able to plan for the future, clearly.
• Limited interaction with friends and others.

Above all the huge economic meltdown, globally.

HOW ARE PEOPLE COPING WITH IT?

• People have come up with their own means.
• Some are unhappy and function minimally.
• Others try to live one day at a time.
• Many are trying to budget life and expenses.
• Still others have put non-essentials, on hold.
• Many have become extra religious.
• There are many, who have developed addictions like drugs, alcohol and screen times.
• A few have taken to healthy habits like exercise and other hobbies.
• Some has used their time to learn new skills and upgrade themselves.
• Companies are providing mental health wellness programmes.
• Individuals are also seeking professional help, as never before.

There is a new awareness that mental health is critical for well-being.

Written by: Dr Vasantha R Patri (Psychologist/ Counsellor)

02/12/2020

OUR EMOTIONS AFFECT OUR BODILY HEALTH MORE THAN WE REALIZE

Recent Japanese research shows the following-

• Acidity is caused less by dietary problems, and more due to stress.
• Hypertension is not due to excessive salt intake, as due to the poor management of one’s emotions.
• Cholesterol is not only due to fatty foods, but because of a sedentary life-style.
• Asthma is not only due to the disruption of oxygen supply to the lungs but also due to feeling sad /unhappy. This makes the lungs unstable. .
• Diabetes not only occurs due to excess consumption of glucose, but due to an attitude that is selfish and stubborn. This affects the pancreas functioning.
• Kidney stones not only caused by calcium oxalate deposits, but due to the pent up emotions and hatred.
• Spondylitis is not only a cervical disorder, but due to excessive worries about the future.

These indicate that we need to attend to our emotional health in order to improve physical health. Take care of one’s emotional well-being, for staying healthy.

HOW TO DO THIS?

• Laugh, exercise.
• Show gratitude.
• Give, meditate.
• Enjoy nature, play and live.

Written by: Dr Vasantha R Patri ( Psychologist / Counsellor)

02/12/2020

INCREASE YOUR HAPPINESS BY DOING SIMPLE ACTIVITIES, EVERYDAY

1. Think of who or what you are grateful for (write it down).

2. Do one thing for yourself (Cook a meal you enjoy, have an elaborate bath, get a massage, listen to music, read a book, watch T.V. play a game and laze around).

3. Do something for your health (walk, exercise, gym, cycle, meditate, do yoga etc).

4. Do something for others Offer help, provide support, listen actively, spare your time, thoughts, energy etc for a good cause.

5. Do something for tomorrow (plan, prepare a to-do-list, organize and prioritize your tasks Give yourself 1 point for each activity, you do. Repeat activities, if you enjoy doing them collect up to 100 points in a month see how happy you feel. For more happiness, increase your activities.

You happiness is in your hands, literally.

Written by: Dr. Vasantha R. Patri (Psychologist/counsellor)

Address

B-83, Gulmohar Park, Basement And Ground Floor
Delhi
110049

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+911140520546

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