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Who is a Counselor?

A counselor (ماہر نفسیات) is an expert who diagnoses and treats problems associated with mental health. They also dispense guidance over challenges faced by the patient, that impair their mental health.

When should you see a Counselor?

You need help from a professional when accosted with issues pertaining to the mental health problems, especially when the symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

It is pertinent to visit a counselor if you have difficulty sleeping. It could be due to anxiety, or stress that your sleep is suffering. Unfortunately, lack of sleep then further impairs the mental health, therefore, seeking resolution is imperative.

Moreover, since eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia also are rooted in mental health problem, those facing these issues, or have other body image issues like body dysmorphic disorder, also then need to visit a counselor.

Similarly, people who are unable to focus on the tasks at hand, whether it be lack of attention or a case of ADHD, should also seek help from a mental health counselor.

Furthermore, those feeling sad, and depressed all the time also need intervention by a counselor (ماہر نفسیات). If you or someone around you is suffering from the symptoms of depression, like losing interest in the daily activities, and those habits that they enjoyed previously, a detachment from life, lack of hope, bouts of crying, then they need to get counselling.

Also, people who are having suicidal thoughts, idealize self-harm, or have already attempted these, also need to be taken to a counselor so that they can be helped.

Those suffering from problems including identity crisis, self-esteem issues, etc. should also schedule counselling sessions to get better.

What are the main areas of concern of a Counselor?

Essentially, counselors offer short-term treatment, that focuses on specific problems. They help people function, through all ages and all changes in their life. The MO of counselors is improving the overall health of the person, using talk therapy.

Counselors such address the emotional needs to their patients. They focus also on the social relationships of the patient, as our relationships have a direct impact on our mental health. They thus help patients navigate problems like marital conflict, family difficulties etc.

Counselors (ماہر نفسیات) help patients overcome several mental health disorders, including, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders.

Moreover, memory loss problems like dementia are also the domain of the counselor. They also treat certain mental disorders.

Similarly, they also address mental health problems posed by various life changes like career change. These adjustment disorders are excruciating for the patient to face, and thus, counselors play an important role in ensuring a quality life for the patient.

Counselors also help people cope with learning difficulties. They help people transition through different facets of life, like retirement. Similarly, they facilitate people in coping with negative events in life and several organizational issues.

What are the most common psychological problems in Pakistan?

Due to lack of awareness and the associated stigma, mental health problems are largely ignored in Pakistan. Consequently, mental health issues are rampant in society.

According to the report by the World Health Organization, following are some of the issues address in the several outpatient facilities of the country:

How to become a Counselor in Pakistan?

One needs to hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, alongside a master’s degree in counseling psychology to become a proper counselor in Pakistan. Whereas it is expected that people also do at least 6 months of internship after their studies, but as there is no governing body responsible or strict licensing system in Pakistan, due to which these practices my not be followed.

Many people claim to be counselors after doing a diploma or a mere bachelors in the field. Patients should hence be mindful of the qualifications of the individual.

What kinds of Counselors are there?

Counseling is a broad field, with several specializations, including:

• Education counseling: These experts work at schools, and guide students with regards to their personal development and wellbeing.
• Marriage and family counseling: These experts cater to the several mental health problems specific to family, marriage, and relationships.
• Mental health counseling: Experts of this field cater to the issues that impair people’s mental health like PTSD, ADHD etc.
• Rehabilitation health counseling: These experts deal with differently abled people, and the several issues they face.
• Substance abuse counseling: These experts assess, diagnose, and treat drug abuse problems.

What are Counselors called in Pakistan?

Counselors in Pakistan are also referred to as:

• Psychologist
• Mahir-Nafsiat
• ماہر نفسیات