AHANA HOSPITALS
Psychological Therapies
Structured, collaborative therapy to understand difficulties, build practical skills and support meaningful change.
Therapy is not emergency care
If there is immediate danger, a recent suicide attempt, severe confusion, rapidly worsening psychosis or mania, or the person cannot remain safe, seek urgent professional help rather than waiting for a therapy appointment.
View urgent helpWhat are psychological therapies?
Psychological therapies are evidence-informed conversations and structured interventions that help people understand patterns in thoughts, emotions, behaviour, relationships and coping. Therapy is not simply advice. The therapist and client agree goals, choose an appropriate approach and review whether sessions are helping. The right therapy depends on the concern, age, preferences, readiness, safety and clinical assessment.
What can therapy help with?
Therapy may be used alone or alongside psychiatric, medical, family or rehabilitation support.
Anxiety and stress
Worry, panic, phobias, avoidance, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, trauma responses and stress-related difficulties.
Mood and adjustment
Depression, grief, low self-worth, emotional overwhelm and difficulty adjusting to illness or life changes.
Relationships and behaviour
Communication, conflict, anger, coping patterns, parenting concerns and problems affecting family or daily life.
Living with severe mental illness
Support with distressing experiences, recovery goals, relapse planning, functioning and family understanding.
What to expect
Early sessions focus on understanding the problem and agreeing what the person wants to change. A good therapeutic relationship should feel respectful, collaborative and safe.
01
Assessment and goals
The therapist asks about current difficulties, history, strengths, risk, context and what improvement would look like.
02
Choose an approach
Options are explained, including expected focus, session structure, possible benefits, limitations and alternatives.
03
Active treatment
Sessions may involve reflection, skills practice, behavioural experiments, exposure, problem-solving or work between appointments.
04
Review and ending
Progress is reviewed openly. Therapy may be adjusted, extended, concluded or linked with another service.
Therapy approaches may include
The name of a therapy matters less than whether it is appropriate, delivered competently and reviewed with the client.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Explores relationships between thoughts, emotions and behaviour and uses structured practice to develop more helpful responses.
Behavioural and exposure-based work
Supports gradual, planned engagement with avoided situations or activities when clinically appropriate.
Interpersonal and supportive approaches
Focuses on relationships, roles, grief, communication, coping and emotional understanding.
Trauma-focused therapy
Specialist approaches may be considered after assessment, with attention to safety, readiness and stabilisation.
Family interventions
Helps families improve communication, understanding, problem-solving and support around mental-health difficulties.
Skills and relapse prevention
Builds strategies for emotional regulation, problem-solving, early warning signs and maintaining progress.
Choosing a therapist and monitoring progress
Ask about the therapistu2019s qualifications, the proposed approach, confidentiality, session frequency, expected duration and how progress will be reviewed. It is reasonable to discuss if sessions do not feel helpful. A treatment plan may need adjustment, a different approach or coordination with psychiatric or medical care.
Frequently asked questions
1. How many sessions will I need?
It varies by difficulty, goals, therapy type and progress. Some approaches are brief and structured; others require longer work.
2. Will I have to discuss everything immediately?
No. The therapist should explain the process and work at a safe, manageable pace while still addressing important risks.
3. Is therapy confidential?
Yes, within professional and legal limits. The therapist should explain when information may need to be shared to prevent serious harm or meet safeguarding duties.
4. Can therapy replace medication?
Sometimes therapy is used alone; in other situations combined treatment is recommended. Decisions depend on the condition, severity, risk and patient preference.
5. What if therapy makes me uncomfortable?
Some sessions can be emotionally demanding, but treatment should remain collaborative. Discuss concerns so the pace or approach can be reviewed.
6. Can family members be involved?
Yes, when helpful and agreed. Family sessions may complement individual therapy while respecting privacy and consent.
Clinical review
Dr. Vikhram RamasubramanianMD (General Medicine), MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist, Ahana Hospitals
Clinical review: 07 September 2026
Next review: September 2027
Clinical sources and references
World Health Organization: person-centred mental-health services. NICE: service-user experience and condition-specific guidance. National Institute of Mental Health: mental-health treatments. Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (India).
Find an appropriate therapy pathway
Book an assessment to discuss your concerns, goals and the psychological approach that may be most suitable.