Therapy Techniques  

As we learn more and more on mental health & well-being, it becomes important to be aware of certain tools and techniques that can be used in our daily life to take care of oneself. Since mental health includes our emotional & behavioral, social and cognitive well-being, it affects how we think, feel and act. While making healthy choices is something we always hear about a lot, it is helpful to be aware of what steps can be taken that can actually be beneficial for our well-being. While therapy is a professional space and is conducted by a trained person, knowing a few basic techniques that we can apply in our lives can surely be helpful.  iDare aims to create awareness on this.  

An understanding of communication skills 

Most of the conversations starting from our childhood lacks basic empathy. Communication forms the base of any human relationship and establishing empathy and a sense of understanding is at the very core of it. Did you know communication is also one of the key areas therapists are trained on for successful therapeutic relationships? But we often take good communication for granted.  

Communication can be subtle and multi-layered; an overt message often conveys a secondary message. While we may not be conscious of the latter, it has considerable potential to affect our relationships. Even subtle changes in communication style and content can alter the other person’s experience of the relationship, their progress, how they see themselves, and their potential for change. 

 

There are multiple ways of communicating such as verbal communication, vocal communication, body language and touch. All of them play a vital role in the way we send and receive messages. The ability and capacity to understand and share feelings can be encouraged through empathy. Nonverbal factors add to verbal communication by improving its accuracy and efficiency. Feelings and emotions are often more fully and accurately revealed nonverbally.  

Repair after rupture 

Many factors can lead to a breakdown in a relationship, including misunderstanding, mistrust, and disagreement. Good communication and related techniques can repair ruptures and lead to better outcomes.  

• To communicate with a calm headspace and not get emotional 
• To allow space for both parties to speak their turn 
• To acknowledge and validate the other person’s feelings even if the speaker did not intend to make them feel a certain way 
• To apologise without if’s and but’s when there has been a mistake 
• To take accountability for their words and actions 
• To use “I” statements while expressing instead of accusatory phrases 
• To listen calmly and actively without interrupting 
• To agree on changing behaviour’s or making amends if any and sticking to them consistently 

 

Repair and rupture works excellently in all relationships especially with parent-child relationships with the parents repairing after the rupture. This models the behaviour for the child as well. And in adult relationships, repair should be with the intention of making the relationship a safe and empowering space for both people involved rather than to just pacify or vent.  

 

Please remember, these techniques are in no way a substitute to an actual therapy session. We would like to emphasize that if someone is struggling with their mental health and if it is affecting day to day life, it is imperative to consult a trained professional.  

 

If you or somebody you know needs any help to understand therapy techniques in depth or is stressed with issues related to mental health, consider reaching our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!     

 

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