Medical Counselling

Dr Rekha Khanna | Doctor | Various Hospitals

What is Medical Counselling?

There are many nuances of a Career in Medical Counselling. One should first understand What a Career in Medical Counselling entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Medical Counselling. It is best to learn about Medical Counselling from a real professional, this is akin to getting it from the horse's mouth.

Doctor Dr Rekha Khanna has worked in Medical Counselling for 2 years & 4 months. Doctor Dr Rekha Khanna describes Medical Counselling as:

Medical Counselling is a broad term which describes the process through which healthcare professionals attempt to increase patient knowledge of health care issues. Such counseling may be verbal or written performed on an individual basis or in groups, and provided directly to the patient or caregiver. The process provides for the exchange of information between the patient & health practitioner.

How Doctor Dr Rekha Khanna got into Medical Counselling?

I completed my graduation in Medicine with specialization in Ayurvedic Medicine. I also did diploma in Reproductive and Child Health. Since 1999, I have been working as a Ayurvedic Doctor and Gynaecologist. In addition to that, since the past one year, I have also been working as a Medical Counsellor to provide information, advice and assistance to patients suffering from various diseases.

Doctor Dr Rekha Khanna's Talk on Medical Counselling

Embracing Healing: A Journey into Medical Counselling In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the importance of psychological support for patients cannot be overstated. Medical counselling stands out as a vital profession, offering both support and guidance to individuals facing life-altering health challenges. As exemplified by Dr. Rekha Karna, a passionate medical counsellor and cancer survivor, the integration of personal experience and professional expertise offers a unique and profound perspective on the role of counselling in healthcare. This article will explore the foundations of medical counselling, the necessary education and skills, the positives and challenges that accompany the profession, and a snapshot of a typical day in this rewarding field. What Is Medical Counselling? Medical counselling is a specialized field that focuses on helping patients understand their medical conditions and providing emotional support as they navigate their treatment journeys. It involves not only discussing the medical aspects of diseases but also helping patients emotionally cope with their diagnosis and the changes that ensue. Dr. Rekha Karna highlights that patients often express feelings of despair upon learning they have cancer, which emphasizes the necessity of compassionate counselling. By guiding patients on how to face their issues and informing them about available medical support, counsellors play a crucial role in fostering resilience and hope in challenging situations. Education in Medical Counselling Child Psychology A foundational aspect of medical counselling is understanding child psychology, especially given the rising concern around mental health issues among children and adolescents. Studying child psychology equips counsellors with insights into behavioral patterns and emotional development. Dr. Karna points out the significance of this knowledge when dealing with children who may be struggling due to external pressures, such as academic performance or family dynamics. By applying these insights, counsellors can better support young clients and address their specific needs, promoting their emotional well-being. Types of Counselling Medical counselling is not monolithic; it encompasses various types including marriage, divorce, and specific disease-focused counselling. Each type requires tailored strategies and approaches to effectively address unique challenges. Dr. Karna emphasizes the importance of grasping these different modalities to be an effective counsellor. For example, understanding the dynamics of marriage counselling could greatly influence how one manages patients struggling with relational stress while also dealing with their health crises. Types of Diseases In order to provide sound advice, medical counsellors must be informed about a range of diseases and their psychosocial ramifications. This education is crucial as it allows counsellors to understand the specific issues their clients face concerning different conditions. Dr. Karna stresses that familiarity with various diseases enables her to know when to provide counselling and when to refer patients for additional medical help. This level of knowledge enhances the effectiveness of the counselling process. Human Behaviour Understanding human behavior is essential for any counsellor, as it forms the bedrock of the therapeutic relationship. It involves recognizing non-verbal cues, assessing emotional states, and comprehending the thoughts driving behavior. Dr. Karna notes that knowledge of human behavior allows her to engage more effectively with clients, offering insights that might lead to breakthroughs in their situations. For example, being adept at recognizing signs of anxiety or distress can inform the approach a counsellor takes when guiding a patient through therapy. Skills Required for Medical Counselling Listening Listening is perhaps the most fundamental skill required for effective counselling. A good counsellor must be actively engaged, ensuring patients feel heard and understood. Dr. Karna explains that when clients share their concerns, it’s essential to listen carefully; without this skill, the potential for meaningful intervention may diminish. For instance, nuanced details shared during a session can inform the counsellor's approach in offering tailored advice. Observation Closely tied to listening, observation encompasses being aware of a client’s body language and emotional state during a session. Dr. Karna emphasizes that physical cues, such as eye movement or posture, can provide insights into what a client might not verbally express. For example, an observed decline in eye contact could indicate discomfort or withdrawal, prompting the counsellor to adapt their approach accordingly. Empathy Empathy is critical in building rapport and trust with clients. Dr. Karna highlights that demonstrating genuine understanding of a patient's feelings can facilitate deeper conversations and assist patients in opening up about their vulnerabilities. When clients perceive empathic support, they are more likely to engage in the counselling process positively, fostering an environment conducive to healing. Paraphrasing Paraphrasing involves restating what clients have expressed to confirm understanding and encourage them to share more. Dr. Karna describes it as a method of reassurance, signalling to clients that their thoughts matter and are being considered. This technique not only clarifies communication but can also help clients gain new insights as they hear their thoughts articulated from another perspective. Analytical Skills Analytical skills equip counsellors to assess client needs critically and develop appropriate interventions. Understanding the complexity of various issues can enhance the effectiveness of treatment plans. Dr. Karna asserts that being able to analyze a situation from multiple angles improves the chances of providing meaningful counsel, which is especially important in cases where clients may resist change or sharing intimate details. Communication Effective communication is vital in conveying empathy, support, and guidance. Dr. Karna notes that clear communication fosters openness, allowing clients to articulate their needs more freely. Effective communication also helps in educating clients about their conditions, which can reduce anxiety and build confidence in the care process. Positives of Being a Medical Counsellor Inner Satisfaction One of the most rewarding aspects of medical counselling is the profound sense of inner satisfaction it brings. According to Dr. Karna, witnessing clients transition from despair to hope—leaving her office with a smile after a session—brightens her day and confirms her purpose as a counsellor. This meaningful impact can be incredibly fulfilling, providing a sense of accomplishment that resonates deeply within the counsellor. Learning and Growth Every day in medical counselling presents new experiences and learning opportunities. Dr. Karna believes that the diverse range of clients and their unique stories not only enrich her professional skills but also contribute to her personal development. This continuous learning process is both stimulating and rewarding, as it equips counsellors with adaptive strategies to address various patient challenges effectively. Challenges in Medical Counselling 100% Attention A significant challenge in medical counselling is the need to provide undivided attention to clients. Dr. Karna emphasizes that any lapse in focus can result in ineffective communication and may even drive clients away. This constant demand can be taxing but is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring clients feel valued throughout their sessions. Resistance Towards Change Many clients may express an unwillingness to change, even when they seek help. Dr. Karna points out that this resistance can stem from ingrained habits or fear of the unknown. Overcoming this hurdle requires patience and skillful counselling strategies to motivate clients to embrace change and seek constructive solutions. Resistance Towards Sharing For some clients, revealing personal information during counselling sessions can be daunting. Dr. Karna describes how clients sometimes hesitate to share key issues, necessitating the counsellor to ask probing questions skillfully. While this process may occasionally lead to discomfort, it is an essential component of fostering trust and facilitating deeper engagement. A Day in the Life of a Medical Counsellor A typical day for Dr. Rekha Karna begins with a grounding routine that includes tea, meditation, and exercise. This personal discipline sets a positive tone for the day ahead. When she attends to her clients, she dedicates individualized time to each, recognizing that effective counselling requires undivided focus. For every session, which lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, Dr. Karna ensures that her clients feel fully supported in a comfortable environment. This committed approach underscores the importance of creating a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and emotions, ultimately enriching the counselling experience. In conclusion, medical counselling represents a deeply impactful and rewarding career that intertwines medical knowledge with psychological support. Dr. Rekha Karna's journey from patient to counsellor exemplifies how personal experiences can inform and enhance professional practice. By understanding the essential education, skills, positives, and challenges, future counselling professionals can prepare themselves for a life dedicated to healing others. This career not only contributes to the well-being of patients but also offers continual growth and profound satisfaction for those committed to making a difference.

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How to get into

Medical Counselling?

If you are want to get into Medical Counselling, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Medical Counselling is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Medical Counselling, what education and skills you need to succeed in Medical Counselling, and what positives and challenges you will face in Medical Counselling.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Doctor Dr Rekha Khanna's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/rekhakhanna

LifePage Career Talk on Medical Counselling

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/medical-counselling-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171114-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNDtAN5jTAM

(Medical Counselling, Rekha Khanna, Various Hospitals, Doctor, Medical Counsellor, Counselling)

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