Why Therapy Is Still a Taboo in India — and How That’s Changing

Therapy stigma India awareness

The Silent Crisis in India’s Mental Health

In a country where people freely discuss physical pain but hide emotional wounds, therapy often becomes a taboo word.
“Why would I need therapy?”
“Only weak people go to counseling.”
“Log kya kahenge?”

In her latest podcast, Psychologist Reena Chopra sits down with Moushami Kapadia, a mother, actor, and advocate, to uncover why India still struggles to normalize therapy — and how awareness begins at home.

YouTube player

Cultural Stigma: The “Be Strong” Myth

Indian families often equate strength with silence.
We’re taught to endure, not express. But emotional endurance without release turns into anxiety, anger, and burnout.

Reena Chopra explains that therapy doesn’t make you weak — it makes you self-aware.
When parents heal, they model emotional intelligence for their children.

Why Mothers Struggle to Seek Help

Many mothers feel guilty about seeking therapy, believing it’s selfish or unnecessary.
But as Moushami shares, therapy gave her clarity — not just for herself, but for her child.

“When I worked on my emotions, my daughter started feeling safer,” she says.
“I learned to respond instead of react.”

Myths That Keep Therapy Hidden

  • ❌ “Therapy is only for people with serious issues.”
  • ❌ “Talking about problems makes them worse.”
  • ❌ “Therapists just give advice.”
  • ✅ Truth: Therapy helps you understand your thoughts and patterns. It’s self-work guided by science.
Therapy stigma India awareness

How Therapy Transforms Parenting

Parents who seek therapy:

  • Communicate calmly
  • Set healthy boundaries
  • Recognize emotional triggers
  • Raise emotionally aware kids

Therapy is not about fixing you — it’s about helping you reconnect with yourself.

The Role of Society and Media

India is slowly changing. Mental health content creators, schools, and podcasts like Saar Holistic Wellness are helping normalize therapy through open conversations.

Every time someone shares their story, they make it easier for another person to seek help without shame.

A Call to Action

Therapy should be viewed like any other healthcare.
You wouldn’t ignore a broken bone — so why ignore a broken heart or mind?

Reena Chopra emphasizes,

“Healing begins when conversation replaces silence.”

Learn about therapy and parenting wellness at
👉 Saar Holistic Wellness

Explore the
🎓 Certified Parenting Coach Program
to understand emotional communication and child psychology.

Share the post with your loved ones:

Online Parenting Counsellor

About the Author

Hi, I’m Reena Chopra a psychologist, Award Winning Modern Parenting expert, and most importantly, a mother just like you.

I know how beautifully messy parenting can be. The love is endless but so are the sleepless nights, the guilt after a shout, the doubts that creep in, and the longing to just do it right.

That’s exactly why I created this space!

Here, you’ll find gentle guidance, science-backed strategies, and heart-led support to help you stay calm through chaos, understand your child better,
and build a stronger connection as a family. 

From one mom to another you’re not alone. Let’s walk this journey together!

Explore Related Posts

Supporting Your LGBTQ Teen Lessons from Suvir Saran on Coming Out, Acceptance & Teen Mental Health
Supporting Your LGBTQ+ Teen Lessons from Suvir Saran on Coming Out, Acceptance & Teen Mental Health
Hitting Child is Ok
Is Hitting a Child Ever Okay? The Psychology Behind Discipline, Fear, and Mindful Parenting in India
How to Balance Screen Time and Study Pressure for Kids
How to Balance Screen Time and Study Pressure for Kids — Expert Tips from Dr. Mitalee Kar & Reena Chopra
baby-fell-off-bed-warning-signs-saar-holistic-wellness
Baby Fell Off the Bed? Warning Signs Every Parent Should Never Ignore (2025 Guide)
selfcare is not selfish
Indian Moms: Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish | Reena Chopra Podcast | Saar Holistic Wellness
Long Distance Parenting Reality
Long-Distance Parenting: Why Choosing Yourself Makes You a Better Mother
Father emotionally bonding with child
The Surprising Power of Fatherhood. What Every Parent Needs to Know About Emotional Connection
Teen bullying awareness in India
India’s Teen Bullying Crisis. How Parents Can Build Emotional Safety at Home
smart-toys-brain-training-banner
Smart Toys That Train Your Child’s Brain: The Science of Learning Through Play
Mindful Parenting Tips”. Soft blue-yellow contrast, cinematic light, 1200×628.
Protect Your Child’s Brain The Hidden Dangers of Screen Time (and Smart Alternatives for Moms)