Counselling in India: A Charter for Emotional Renewal

Counselling in India: A Charter for Emotional Renewal

Counselling in India: A Charter for Emotional Renewal By Sanjiv Jaggi (MSW), Visionary Counsellor & Founder – Give & Take™ Counselling Clinic

What is Counselling?

Counselling is more than advice or therapy. It is a structured, professional process where trained practitioners help individuals navigate emotional, psychological, and social challenges. Globally, counselling is recognized as a pillar of human dignity, aligned with WHO’s definition of health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Counselling Across the World

• In the United States and Europe, counselling is integrated into schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems.
• In Australia and Canada, government-funded counselling ensures accessibility for all citizens.
• International bodies like UNO and WHO advocate counselling as a systemic necessity for sustainable human development.

Counselling is not seen as optional — it is treated as a universal right.

Why Counselling Struggles in India

Despite India’s rich spiritual and social traditions, counselling has not yet matured into mainstream acceptance.

• Social stigma: Mental health is often equated with “madness,” discouraging people from seeking help.
• Traditional reliance: Elders, spiritual leaders, and community networks have historically substituted professional counselling.
• Infrastructure gaps: India faces a shortage of licensed counsellors and standardized training programs.
• Cultural conditioning: Stoicism and endurance are valued over emotional expression, leaving little space for professional support.

Tradition and Social Conditions

India’s heritage offers profound tools for emotional balance — meditation, yoga, prayer, and collective rituals. The joint family system once acted as a natural support network. Yet, as urbanization and modern pressures reshape society, these traditional buffers are no longer sufficient.

Does India Need Counselling Today?

The answer is Yes — urgently.

• Urban stress: Rising work pressure, migration, and isolation demand structured support.
• Youth crisis: Academic stress, career uncertainty, and identity struggles are leading to anxiety and depression.
• Healthcare integration: Counselling can reduce the burden on medical systems by addressing psychosocial roots of illness.

Ways Forward for India

• Normalize counselling: Public campaigns to destigmatize mental health.
• Institutional integration: Embed counselling in schools, workplaces, and hospitals.
• Professional training: Expand accredited programs to produce licensed counsellors.
• Blend tradition with modernity: Combine spiritual practices with evidence-based counselling for culturally resonant care.
• Policy support: Government-backed initiatives aligned with WHO standards to make counselling accessible nationwide.

Closing Thought

Counselling in India must evolve from being seen as a “luxury” or “Western import” into a charter of care for all citizens. By blending India’s rich spiritual traditions with modern psychological frameworks, the country can lead a global movement for emotional renewal.