The Counseling Center

Uncertainty During The Time of Covid-19 &  How To Overcome It   The times are unprecedented; no one could have ever foreseen a catastrophe such as this pandemic. It is just impossible to fathom that something so tiny, turned out to be so powerful that it was able to bring the entire world to a grinding halt. The best part is that this virus has shown no bias; it did not discriminate by colour, race, gender or even nationality. The Covid-19 virus has just proven to be one of its kind!    The effects of this pandemic have been numerous, to say the least – anxiety, uncertainty, depression, job losses, financial instability, travel restrictions, etc., are just some of the many ‘side-effects’. Under such circumstances, where things are not under your control, it is easy to become overwhelmed by fear and negative emotions. You may think that bottling up your emotions, putting on a brave face, and forcing yourself to be positive, is the best outcome. But denying or supp...

Use of flooding (classic conditioning) technique in real life – a case study This is a real case study of how we implemented and used flooding technique described in psychology.  Our granddaughter visited us with our daughter and son-in-law. We found that her hair were not in proper shape (she is appx. 2 years old), so we were curious and asked about it and we came to know that she is afraid of haircut and cries a lot, they tried cutting her hairs in saloon as well as in the house but all efforts were in vain.  Being a psychologist, I was curious in taking this case, and the best and most suitable technique was to use flooding technique where – we systematically exposed her to the situation. First we bought a plastic kids doctor kit for her to play with – she was quite OK to get familiar with it, so slowly we started showing her various instruments in it and how they are used, so there was a small plastic scissor in the set and we purposely told her that it is use...

A older sister can take the role of an attachment figure or a secure base for A younger sister. She helps the younger onE in exploration (whether it be exploring the outdoors without parents knowing or trying on some new stuff which parents wouldn’t approve of). They also provide comfort during distressing situations especially when the parent is unavailable. A little sister is like a mirror image. People confuse their names, mix up their baby pictures, and every time someone says “You guys are like twins!” we both secretly glow inside (because we wonder if it’s as much of a compliment to one as it is to the other).  A sister is a 'role model’ whom they love to emulate. They actually reinforce one another’s behaviour. There are similarities between siblings in many different domains including the manner of speech and actions, including delinquency and aggression. Its a strong bond which can even withstand the storms of life. She is a ‘go to person’ who understands your hidden c...

Couples are now spending more time together than before. What are the benefits of this, in your opinion?  Couples who have been close emotionally and physically are getting to spend more time with each other and with their families. There are so many opportunities to make your relationship more closer and take it to the next level. You are re investing in the relationship which you must have taken very lightly since you both were busy with the ‘busyness’ called life.  For couples who were having ego clashes and other issues, you realise suddenly that maybe your partner might be your ‘safety harbour’ in such times of crisis and such trivial issues which they were fighting over weren’t worth it anymore.   Does the social distan cing from others, and staying at home make you more appreciative of each other, and more honest? You realise the importance of ‘family’ ‘a partner’ and this makes you start feeling grateful for what you have. Staying for such a l...

Rainbow Moments in My Life My rainbow momentS Sometimes on a rainy day, as you look through the showers you see a beautiful rainbow. You wonder at this play of nature.  Does it not signify hope and a new beginning?  It dawns on us that just as the sun is essential to life, so is the rain. Both come together to play and form the colors of the rainbow.  Life is also a play of sadness and happiness. Days when you feel terribly down and blue and yet as these clouds of emotion pass away to a brighter and happier day, do we not value the lesson it taught us? Isn’t that not our rainbow moment? Do I hold on to the rainbow? Do i hold on to the happy days? Neither can i hold on to sadness nor happiness.  The more I hold on to it, the more misery will I suffer. Let them keep playing and i keep having my rainbow moments.  Life symbolises the colours of the rainbow with all its hues and shades.  Can you name any particular color which isn’t beauti...