Years ago, a well-meaning friend said “I read so much on Psychology, I can easily do counseling”. As self- assuming as that sounded, I wanted to give it back to the person in good measure, but it set me thinking.. There could be so many out there who live in the same illusion.

Another client once asked, “I have read so many self help books, why didn’t they help me?” Clearly enough, the book wasn’t a therapist!

On World Mental Health Day, I thought this ought to be my myth-buster.

1. A self- help book can be an adjunct to psychotherapy, not a substitute. A good book can strengthen the gains in therapy, but cannot be an alternative to it.

2. In psychotherapy, there is no one-size-fits-all. The therapist customises the course to suit the individual. The book gives you information. But the therapist leads you to awareness, information, skills, and possibilities that you were unable to realise till that point.

3. In a therapeutic space, you can express yourself without being judged. The reading of a book is absorption of the matter in it with no scope for self-expression.

4. An avid reader could be aware of theories, terms, concepts, practices, but to put them to practice for different individuals is a different (and might I add, demanding) ball game. And therefore, reading alone is not likely to give you the ability to help others in a psychotherapeutic way.

5. In therapy, when you work through something and it is triggering or unhelpful, you speak with the therapist and reorient the tools and skills to suit you even better. But neither a book nor a quack (yes, an unqualified practitioner of a professional skill is a quack) can do that for you.

6. Last but not the least, neither a therapist, nor a book would help if you are unwilling to put in the effort required to move towards the goals set. But the therapist will recognise that, show you the mirror, and urge you onwards.

Books are wonderful and have their place in our hearts and minds, whereas the therapists have their unique place in our lives.

Here’s to more awareness on World Mental Health Day, 2021! Cheers!