Ms AUGUST 16, 2015
ISSUE NO. 165
Understanding psychotherapy
2
page
The autumn skincare guide
6
page
Section In-Charge: Dilaira Dubash Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Designer: Umar Waqas Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
inside En vogue — Bleed green
Domestic goddess —
Banoffee pie
8
page
The stylish Naureen Fayyaz
2
Ms
The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, AUGUST 16, 2015
With growing awareness about the benefits of psychotherapy many individuals around the globe don’t shy away from opting for it. Unfortunately, Pakistan is still very far from acknowledging mental illnesses, let alone recommending psychotherapy as treatment. By definition, psychotherapy is a treatment of mental disorders by psychological rather than medical means. According to Dr Taha Sabri, a graduate from Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi and a freelance health consultant, therapy sessions offer a form of catharsis. Â
3
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, AUGUST 16, 2015
Through a series of sessions, psychotherapy aims to make individuals consciously talk about things that may be bothering them. “The treatment consists of dialogue which aims to increase the wellness of the patient,” informs Dr Rubeena Kidwai, a consultant clinical psychologist and a professor at the Behavioural Sciences Department at National University of Sciences and Technology in Karachi. Moreover, the therapy aims to rehabilitate individuals who may have mental illnesses either through biological factors or illnesses that may have been caused by adverse life experiences such as emotional trauma. Trauma can be attributed to a number of causes such as the loss of a loved one, dysfunctional relationships or a history of physical, verbal or sexual abuse. For 35-year-old Shamsa Wahidi, psychotherapy sessions helped her get out of a toxic relationship with her husband. Initially, upon diagnosis of depression, Shamsa’s psychiatrist prescribed medication. However, soon she was advised to try psychotherapy sessions and it helped her to make a conscious decision about her life. “Medicines may have helped me overcome depression to be able to cope with my daily routine but therapy helped me gain confidence and strengthened my willpower,” explains Shamsa. According to psychiatrist Dr Uzma Ambreen, psychotherapy sessions are tailored in accordance to the patient’s requirements. “It is important for the patient to have an understanding of what they are hoping to achieve in life,” says Dr Uzma, adding that if specific goals are voiced by the patient then the therapy focuses on achieving them. The number of psychotherapy sessions depends on the condition of the patient but a minimum requirement of 12 sessions is mandatory.
Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for different types of therapies that are available. Some of them are: Psychodynamic therapy – The therapy focuses on feelings that we have for others, especially people who are a part of the family or we are close to. The therapy aims to make us understand how these feelings have an impact on our lives. It enables the patient to understand their issues and behaviours. Behavioural therapy – The goal of the therapy is to make an effort to change behavioural patterns of the patient. The main focus is on behavioural changes during encounters of anxiety, worry, uneasiness, fear, suspicion or other social problems. Cognitive therapy – The patient’s way of thinking is changed through cognitive therapy. They are encouraged to think positive and block out any negative or destructive thoughts. They are taught to understand the difference between emotions and act to bring a positive change in their lives. Family therapy or group therapy – As per its name, the basic requirement of this therapy is to bring the entire family together for the session. Usually, it is conducted when a family member is suffering from a serious mental disorder such as schizophrenia. Marital therapy – The aim of this therapy is to eliminate any differences between a wife and a husband and strengthen their relationship. It aims to solve problems through mutual understanding among both parties and the presence of both is crucial. Unfortunately, due to a lack of trained therapists available for marital therapy in Pakistan, the full potential of this therapy hasn’t been achieved.
Consult a doctor and he/she will be able to recommend an experienced therapist. Remember to choose a therapist of your own choice as different techniques work for different people. Most importantly, don’t trust a psychiatrist who prescribes a lot of medication without discussing other options.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan there is a lack of understanding relating to the concept of psychotherapy. Dr Rubeena opines that people confuse psychotherapy with counselling sessions. “The goal of psychotherapy is to improve the psychological and emotional wellness of the patient as well as their ability to functional normally,” says Dr Rubeena. She adds that psychotherapy doesn’t only aim for present recovery but it intends to help them manage their illnesses in cases of relapse. As a result, identifying the problem is key towards full recovery. On the other hand, the stigma attached with mental illnesses in our society also becomes a hindrance in benefiting from psychotherapy. As a result despite the presence of 15 million people in Pakistan suffering from mental illnesses according to the Karwan-e-Hayat Institute for Mental Health Care, lack of awareness about whom to approach and what kind of treatment to opt for make it difficult for people to overcome it. Furthermore, proper licensing of psychiatrists can also help people to make informed decisions. “There are many centres in Pakistan, where psychotherapy is conducted by individuals with no background in psychology,” says Dr Rubeena. “The lack of regulation puts the patient’s life at risk,” she adds. However, not all is bad for psychotherapy in Pakistan. According to Dr Taha, the Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists have made laws to ensure that all psychiatrists can only conduct therapy sessions if they have a diploma in clinical psychology after completing their Masters in psychology. However, according to Dr Nargis Asad, an assistant professor at AKUH in Karachi, psychotherapy won’t work on patients suffering from a severe mental disorder. “There is a need to control the symptoms through medicines and in most cases medication is the first line of treatment,” says Dr Nargis. As a result, in such cases seeking complete solace in psychotherapy only may not be the best option. Therefore, if a psychotherapist feels the need for a patient to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist, they refer them to one accordingly. Ishrat Ansari works on the Karachi desk at The Express Tribune Design by Maryam Rashid
4
Ms
En vogue
Celebrate Pakistan’s 68th Independence Day with Zainab Chottani’s latest collection Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair and Make-up: Saba Ansari at Sabs Designer: Zainab Chottani Photography and Styling: Rohail Khaled Model: Saima Azhar
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, AUGUST 16, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, AUGUST 16, 2015
5
6
Ms
Lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, AUGUST 16, 2015
By Tehmina Khan
As soon as we encounter dryness, we immediately indulge in richly applying moisturisers to keep our skin hydrated and moist. However, according to Dr Khilji, oil-based moisturisers harm the skin in many ways. The abundance of oil clogs our pores, can cause breakouts and make our skin appear dull.
Being influenced by the products the media has to offer, we often buy expensive imported products as part of our skin care regimen. But these products may not be good for us. “Moisturisers or other skincare products made in a specific country are created according to the skin type of the people living in that region,” informs Dr Khilji. As a result opting for these imported goods is a common mistake among the masses. “In case of severe dryness, water-based moisturisers should be used,” Dr Khilji says. Moroever, he advises that the only skincare regime people in Pakistan require is the application of a good sunscreen. “Sunscreen lotions not only protect your skin from the harmful radiation of the sun but also act as a mild moisturiser,” he adds.
We are frequently advised to drink water in abundance to have a healthy and glowing skin. But it is not just the water that will give you radiant skin – a balanced diet will do wonders for your complexion. “It is true that water is the best of all natural hydrating agents, but there is a reason why leading researchers stress upon the importance of a balanced diet,” adds Dr Khilji.
Drink plenty of boiled water and consume natural vegetables and fruits juices. Use a good sunscreen lotion after consulting a dermatologist. Set a proper sleeping pattern and make sure that you’re getting enough sleep at night. Some skin problems may be a reaction to a hormonal imbalance. You need to get to the root of these problems before purchasing ointments for temporary relief. Use a mild, water-based moisturiser if your skin is prone to excessive dryness and irritation. Commit to a balanced diet that includes meat, fresh greens, fibre, healthy carbohydrates and minerals. Consult a professional dermatologist instead of seeking help online.
Pakistan may be a little shy when it comes to showing true seasons, but around the world this time of the year, people brace themselves for autumn and the many shades it brings. We may think of autumn being all about falling leaves and a decrease in the intensity of summer heat but leaves are not the only things that shed and lose freshness at this time. The season also brings with it an array of skin problems. Unfortunately, due to a lack of proper skincare knowledge, many of us are guilty of following myths to cope with the change in weather. Whether it is general dryness of the skin, irritation, cracked lips or even dehydration, we religiously abide by these myths without giving them a second thought. But fret not, with the advice of the renowned dermatologist Dr Khilji Faisal Arif from The Skin Clinic in Karachi, MsT helps to debunk a few of the most popular myths.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan our diet is often lacking fresh vegetables and fruits. We’ve shunned red meat and devour chicken as our primary source of protein. However, we need to understand that healthy skin demands a complete lifestyle transformation and smarter dietary choices. According to CEO of the Facebook-based business ‘Jo’s Organic Beauty’ Jovita Alexander, our skin undergoes many climatic changes for various reasons. “Around this time of the year, our skin needs more care through products that are naturally hydrating,” says Jovita. “Along with naturally hydrating products we need to incorporate a healthy diet in our routine,” she adds.
Avoid oil-based moisturisers. Refrain from applying fairness creams and soaps as they’re laced with harmful bleaching agents and carcinogens. If you want to use Vitamin-E capsules, then don’t apply them directly onto your skin. Mix the capsule’s contents with water before application. Chicken isn’t the only source of protein. Meat, fish, cheese or lentils are also high in protein. In case of any skin problems, don’t opt for skin treatments at salons or local beauty parlours. Consult a dermatologist.
Tehmina Khan is a practicing dental surgeon and likes to write in her free time. She tweets @tehmina_manna
Design by Hira Fareed
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, AUGUST 16, 2015
By Natasha Khalid
Banoffee pie
Desert decoration 101 Indulge your sweet tooth with this heavenly English dessert
Ingredients
PHOTO: NATASHA KHALID
• • • • • • •
Marie biscuits (crushed) 1 pack Bananas (sliced) 4 Coffee 2 tsp Fresh cream 1 pack Condensed milk 1 tin Sugar 1 cup Water 1/3 cup
Method • Layer a large glass dish with butter and put the crushed biscuits at the bottom to form the base. • Dissolve the coffee in water and pour it over the biscuits. • In a small pan, mix the sugar with some water and bring it to a boil until the sugar becomes brown in colour. • Add condensed milk to the sugar mixture and cook for a little while. • Pour the mixture over the crushed biscuits and set the dish aside to cool. • Top the pie off with fresh cream and decorate it with bananas. • Serve chilled.
Here is a sweet new way to make your desserts look extra special! You can make your own chocolate garnishes and place them over the sorbet, ice cream, cakes and pies you serve. All that is needed is some dark chocolate, scissors and some parchment paper. Prepare the icing cone If you don’t have an icing cone at home, make your own by following these steps: • Line a baking pan with parchment paper, taping the edges so that it doesn’t curl up. • Roll another sheet of parchment up in such a way that it forms a cornet shape. This is where you will pipe your chocolate from. • To make the cornet, cut a half-inch triangle. • Hold the centre of the long side of the triangle between two fingers. With your other hand, roll the tip of the triangle on the short-wide end towards the other tip of that same end. The tip of the cone should be where your thumb and finger holds it on the other side. The paper should resemble a partially-formed cone by now. • Roll the remaining tail to form a complete cone. There should be one point sticking up from the open end. Fold that end inwards and crease the fold to form a cornet. • To close the icing cone when it is filled, fold it way from the seam to prevent it from opening up. Using a pair of sharp scissors or a paring knife, cut an opening of your desired size at the tip of the cornet for the chocolate to come through. Prepare the chocolate icing • Melt some dark chocolate in a pan and allow it to cool for some time. • Once the temperature has settled down a bit, pour the chocolate into the cornet and get ready to design. Prepare the garnishes Pipe a design freehand. You can make anything you like, from flowers to hearts to abstract pieces. • You can also trace your desired shape onto the opposite side of the parchment paper and follow the lines for extra neat garnishes. • Place the baking pan in the refridgerator for at least 15 minutes, allowing the garnish to solidify properly. • Separate the chocolate pieces from the baking pan and delicately place them on the dessert you have prepared. Your restaurant-worthy dish is now ready to be served!
SOURCE: MARTHASTEWART.COM PHOTO COURTESY: SERIOUSEATS.COM
Woman of the week 8
Enjoying the cold winter.
Holidaying with my besties.
Fashion designer Out and about.
Renowned chef and television host Saransh Goila’s new book India on My Platter (IOMP) is a whirlwind travelogue, combining his culinary adventures with recipes he has written on his travels. The book is a daily compendium of his journey across the entirety of India for the FoodFood Channel show Roti, Rasta Aur India. Spanning 100 days, 25 states and 20,000 kilometers in a car nicknamed Tamatar, IOMP serves up an in-depth look at diverse Indian food by the winner of the 2011 FoodFood Maha Challenge. Saransh writes the book in a simple manner — it is a food diary in which he carefully plots out each day’s culinary encounter and a recipe he either learned or created. A born socialiser, Goila’s vignettes of the various characters he meets along his journey are simultaneously charming and inspiring. Perhaps the most striking element to the culinary tales is the sheer diversity which he is greeted with from locale to locale. The foods he cooks up and the chefs and restaurateurs he meets along the way range from the very traditional to Western. For instance, in Manali, he spends one day enjoying the city’s renowned Italian cuisine and the next, seeking out the traditional in a Kullu Manali trout dish. In this sense, Saransh demonstrates his willingness to go beyond the stereotypical by digging deep into the soul of the places he visits. Shortly after visiting Manali, Saransh finds himself in Indian Kashmir, writing from the city of Leh. Particularly amusing are the sun-dried tomatoes the
region is popular for. Perhaps, in an effort to counterbalance those areas of India which are laden with Western tourists, Saransh appears to make a concerted attempt to dig deep into places which would otherwise be considered tourist traps. He does, however, sample chocolate cookies from an American restaurateur and shares a delicious recipe for Indian-style deviled eggs which includes raw mango, green chilies and fresh coriander. IOMP is not strictly about exotic recipes and dining, though. Throughout the book, Saransh shares his thoughts and insights of the journey. He even allows himself to get emotional at times, which is refreshing. “The beauty of travelling by road, without an itinerary, never knowing what’s going to happen on the next curve or who you are going to meet, especially in India where water, food and people change every 100 km, enforces a change in the way one perceives life,” writes Saransh when in Surat. “This incredible journey has taught me to overcome all my fears. There comes a moment when you start living in the present as you relish and truly feel the air you breathe in, feel the wind chasing you.” For him, these are the signs of a “true traveler” — a label that the author certainly proves himself of. Carol Khan is a subeditor and coordinator of The Express Tribune in Peshawar. She tweets @carolkhan
Design by Hira Fareed