Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about counselling with Closing the Wound, an online practice for adults and couples in Myanmar and Thailand. If your question is not here, email closingthewound@gmail.com.
Starting
What Is the Difference between a Counsellor and a Therapist?
In everyday use, the two words overlap. Both describe someone trained to help people by talking things through. The training and legal rules behind each title vary by country. Sessions at Closing the Wound are with a US-trained, master’s-level therapist, and the About page gives the training in full.
What Is the Difference between a Psychologist and a Therapist?
A psychologist has studied psychology, usually to postgraduate level, and in many countries the title is protected by law. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. “Therapist” and “counsellor” are broader terms for people trained in talking therapies.
Do I Need a Counsellor, a Therapist or a Psychiatrist?
For most people, the title matters less than the person’s training, how they work and whether you can talk to them openly. If you might need medication, or a diagnosis that only a doctor can give, see a psychiatrist or another doctor as well. Counselling can continue alongside their care.
How Do I Find a Good Therapist?
Check their training and whether they explain how they work. Ask whether they work with what you are bringing, and notice whether you feel able to be honest with them. The free 15-minute intro call is a chance to ask these questions.
Do I Need Perfect English?
No. You need to be comfortable talking about personal matters in English.
How Do I Start?
Email closingthewound@gmail.com to arrange a free 15-minute intro call or a first session. A short message is enough. Please leave out clinical details, which are better discussed in session.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
It depends on what you bring. Some people come for a few sessions about a specific problem. Others choose longer-term work, for example with complex trauma. Progress is reviewed together.
Fees
How Much Does a Session Cost?
| Session | Fee |
|---|---|
| Intro call, 15 minutes | Free |
| 60-minute session | 250,000 MMK or 2,000 THB |
| 90-minute session | 350,000 MMK or 2,700 THB |
Couples and families are the same price.
Is the Intro Call Really Free?
Yes. It lasts 15 minutes, costs nothing and carries no obligation to continue.
Privacy
Is What I Say Confidential?
Yes, within limits that are standard in counselling, such as a serious risk of harm to you or someone else. The Privacy page sets them out.
Are Sessions Recorded?
No.
What Happens to My Emails?
They are used only to reply to you and arrange sessions. The Privacy page explains how they are stored and your rights over them.
Couples
Can We Come as a Couple?
Yes. Couples sessions are 60 or 90 minutes and cost the same as individual sessions. Couples and relationships explains how they work.
Can I Come on My Own about My Relationship?
Yes. Many relationship concerns can be worked on by one partner alone.
Urgent Help
What If I Need Help Urgently?
See Emergency contacts, which lists emergency numbers and helplines for Thailand and Myanmar. They can respond faster than email.
Arranging a First Session
Email closingthewound@gmail.com to arrange a free 15-minute intro call or a first session. Contact and fees lists session lengths and fees. If you need help urgently, see Emergency contacts.