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Dear Zindagi: A Movie Analysis

Practicum submitted to the Department of Psychology

Zakir Husain Delhi College

By
Ayesha Ashraf
21085528016
C-PSY 14 Counseling Psychology
B.A. (Hons.) Psychology Semester 6, Part 3

Under the supervision of

Ms. Kanika
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology, Zakir Husain Delhi College

University of Delhi

April 2024
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a. Introduction

Directed by Gauri Shinde, "Dear Zindagi" is a thought-provoking exploration of mental

health, personal growth, and emotional healing. Released in 2016, the film stars Alia Bhatt as

the protagonist, Kaira, alongside Shah Rukh Khan in a pivotal role as Dr. Jehangir "Jug"

Khan, a psychiatrist. Set against the backdrop of bustling Mumbai, the narrative follows

Kaira's journey as she grapples with various life challenges and seeks solace and guidance

from Dr. Jehangir.

As we delve into the analysis of "Dear Zindagi," we are presented with a rich tapestry of

psychological themes and insights that resonate deeply with viewers. Through Kaira's

experiences, we are invited to explore the complexities of human emotions, the impact of

childhood traumas on adult relationships, and the transformative power of therapy and self-

reflection. The film masterfully navigates through these themes, offering profound insights

into the human psyche and the intricacies of mental well-being. One of the central themes of

"Dear Zindagi" is the stigma surrounding mental health issues. In Indian society, discussing

mental health openly is often met with silence or judgment. Through Kaira's journey, the film

sheds light on the challenges individuals face when seeking help for their emotional

struggles. Kaira initially hesitates to acknowledge her own mental health needs, fearing

societal judgment and stigma. However, as she begins therapy with Dr. Jehangir, she

gradually learns to confront her inner demons and break free from the shackles of stigma. The

film sensitively portrays the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health

and seeking professional help when needed.

Another significant aspect of "Dear Zindagi" is the portrayal of therapy and the therapeutic

process. Dr. Jehangir serves as a compassionate and insightful guide to Kaira, providing her

with a safe space to explore her thoughts and feelings. Through their sessions, Kaira learns
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valuable lessons about self-awareness, resilience, and acceptance. Dr. Jehangir's therapeutic

techniques, such as mindfulness exercises, narrative therapy, and cognitive restructuring,

offer practical tools for Kaira to navigate her emotional challenges and cultivate a positive

outlook towards life. The film highlights the transformative potential of therapy in facilitating

personal growth and emotional healing.

Furthermore, "Dear Zindagi" delves into the concept of resilience and the power of

resilience-building strategies in overcoming adversity. Kaira faces numerous setbacks and

disappointments throughout the film, including career setbacks, heartbreak, and family

conflicts. However, she learns to draw strength from her experiences and develop resilience

in the face of adversity. Through Dr. Jehangir's guidance, Kaira discovers the importance of

reframing negative experiences, practicing self-care, and cultivating meaningful connections

with others. The film underscores the importance of resilience as a key factor in promoting

mental well-being and navigating life's ups and downs.

In addition to these themes, "Dear Zindagi" also offers insights into the complexities of

interpersonal relationships and the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior. Kaira's

strained relationship with her parents and past romantic relationships contribute to her

emotional turmoil and insecurities. Through therapy, Kaira begins to unravel the underlying

patterns of behavior and thought that have shaped her relationships. She learns to confront

unresolved issues from her past and establish healthier boundaries in her interactions with

others. The film emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and introspection in fostering

healthy relationships and personal growth.

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Definition of Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that facilitates personal and interpersonal

functioning across the life span with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational,

health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns. Through the integration of

theory, research, and practice, and with a sensitivity to multicultural issues, this specialty

encompasses a broad range of practices that help people improve their well-being, alleviate

distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to live more highly

functioning lives. Counseling psychology is unique in its attention both to normal

developmental issues and to problems associated with physical, emotional, and mental

disorders. Populations served by Counseling Psychologists include persons of all ages and

cultural background.

Purpose and Goals of Counseling:

The main objective of counseling is to bring about a voluntary change in the client. For this

purpose the counselor provides facilities to help achieve the desired change or make the

suitable choice. The goal of counseling is to help individuals overcome their immediate

problems and also to equip them to meet future problems. Counseling, to be meaningful has

to be specific for each client since it involves his unique problems and expectations. The

goals of counseling may be described as immediate, long-range, and process goals. A

statement of goals is not only important but also necessary, for it provides a sense of direction

and purpose. Additionally it is necessary for a meaningful evaluation of the usefulness of it.

The counselor has the goal of understanding the behavior, motivations, and feelings of the

counselee. The counselor has the goals are not limited to understanding his clients. He has

different goals at different levels of functioning. The immediate goal is to obtain relief for the
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client and the long-range goal is to make him ‘a fully functioning person’. Both the

immediate and long- term goals are secured through what are known as mediate or process

goals. Specific counseling goals are unique to each client and involve a consideration of the

client’s expectations as well as the environmental aspects. Apart from the specific goals, there

are two categories of goals which are common to most counseling situations. These are

identified as long-range and process goals. The latter have great significance. They shape the

counselee and counselors’ interrelations and behavior. The process goals comprise facilitating

procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of counselling.

Counseling has no magical solutions. The only meaningful, sensible and realistic view of

counseling is that it is not and cannot be everything to everybody. It is concerned with

helping individuals find realistic and workable solutions to their problems by helping them

gain an insight into themselves so that they are able to utilize their own potentialities and

opportunities and thus become self-sufficient, self-directed and self-actualized .

Counseling in India:

Counselling needs in the Indian context emerge against the background of tremendous social

change. In addition, the last ten years of economic reform have enhanced the pace of these

changes and further transformed life styles. Counselling services are poorly defined and

presently anyone at all with little or no training can offer these services. Available counselling

services are largely based on Western approaches to psychology. These approaches have been

widely criticised as not being relevant to the Indian cultural context. A relevant and culturally

valid counselling psychology therefore has remained a fledgling discipline. Psychological

thought is not new to India, and ancient traditions present ideas and constructs that are rich in

possibilities for application.

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b. Stages of counseling reflected in the movie

In "Dear Zindagi," the stages of counseling are intricately woven into the narrative as the

protagonist, Kaira, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing under the

guidance of her therapist, Dr. Jehangir Khan. The film portrays various stages of counseling,

each contributing to Kaira's growth and transformation. These stages include rapport

building, assessment, goal setting, intervention, and termination, all of which play a crucial

role in Kaira's therapeutic journey.

Rapport Building:

The initial stage of counseling in "Dear Zindagi" focuses on establishing rapport between

Kaira and Dr. Khan. When Kaira first visits Dr. Khan's office, she is hesitant and guarded,

unsure of what to expect from therapy. Dr. Khan's warm and empathetic demeanor helps to

create a safe and supportive environment, allowing Kaira to gradually open up about her

struggles and insecurities. Through their conversations, Dr. Khan demonstrates genuine

interest and acceptance, fostering trust and rapport with Kaira. This stage lays the foundation

for the therapeutic alliance, essential for effective counseling outcomes.

Assessment:

As Kaira begins to share her experiences and emotions with Dr. Khan, the assessment stage

of counseling unfolds. Dr. Khan employs various assessment techniques, including active

listening, empathy, and open-ended questions, to gain a deeper understanding of Kaira's

concerns and underlying issues. He encourages Kaira to explore her thoughts, feelings, and
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behaviors, helping her to identify patterns and themes that contribute to her emotional

distress. Through this process, Dr. Khan assesses Kaira's strengths, challenges, and goals,

guiding the direction of their therapeutic work.

Goal Setting:

With a comprehensive understanding of Kaira's needs and aspirations, Dr. Khan collaborates

with her to establish therapeutic goals. Together, they identify areas for growth and change,

setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. Dr.

Khan encourages Kaira to envision her ideal life and identify the steps necessary to achieve

her goals. By actively involving Kaira in the goal-setting process, Dr. Khan empowers her to

take ownership of her therapeutic journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and motivation.

Intervention:

Throughout the counseling process, Dr. Khan employs a range of therapeutic interventions to

support Kaira's emotional well-being and personal growth. These interventions include

cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness exercises, role-playing, and guided imagery.

Dr. Khan helps Kaira challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, develop coping skills, and

cultivate self-compassion and resilience. He encourages her to explore her values, strengths,

and passions, guiding her towards greater self-awareness and fulfillment. Through these

interventions, Kaira gains valuable insights and tools to navigate life's challenges and pursue

her aspirations.

Termination:
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As Kaira progresses in her therapeutic journey, the counseling process approaches its

termination phase. Dr. Khan and Kaira reflect on the progress she has made, celebrating her

achievements and milestones. They review the goals set at the beginning of therapy, assessing

the extent to which they have been achieved. Dr. Khan encourages Kaira to reflect on her

experiences in therapy, consolidating her learning and insights. Together, they discuss

strategies for maintaining her progress and coping with future challenges. The termination

phase serves as an opportunity for closure and reflection, marking the end of formal

counseling sessions while reinforcing the skills and strategies Kaira has acquired.

Overall, "Dear Zindagi" provides a compelling portrayal of the stages of counseling,

illustrating the transformative power of therapy in promoting self-discovery, healing, and

personal growth. Through Kaira's journey, viewers are reminded of the importance of

establishing rapport, conducting thorough assessments, setting meaningful goals,

implementing effective interventions, and reflecting on the counseling process. The film

serves as a powerful testament to the value of counseling in navigating life's complexities and

embracing the journey towards emotional well-being and fulfillment.

c. Discussion

"Dear Zindagi" presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the importance of

communication and the stigma surrounding mental health issues in contemporary society.

Through the protagonist, Kaira's journey, the film explores the challenges individuals face in

seeking help for their emotional struggles and the transformative power of therapy in

fostering personal growth and healing.

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The initial hesitation displayed by Kaira upon entering the therapist's office reflects the

stigma attached to mental health professions in society. For years, seeking therapy has been

viewed as a sign of weakness or failure, leading many individuals to suffer in silence rather

than seek professional help. However, as the conversation unfolds between Kaira and Dr.

Jehangir, we witness the gradual building of rapport and trust, creating an accepting and

supportive space for Kaira to open up about her thoughts and feelings. This highlights the

importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment in therapy, where clients feel

comfortable sharing their innermost struggles.

Moreover, the film brings to light the pervasive issue of communication in modern society,

particularly among urban millennials. In an age dominated by social media and digital

communication, face-to-face interactions have become increasingly rare, leading to a

breakdown in meaningful communication. The ease of conveying emotions through

emoticons and text messages has replaced genuine conversations, making it difficult for

individuals to express their feelings openly and authentically. Kaira's strained relationship

with her parents and her inability to verbalize her emotions serve as poignant reminders of

the consequences of poor communication and the importance of healthy dialogue in fostering

emotional well-being.

Furthermore, "Dear Zindagi" delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and

the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior. Kaira's emotional struggles stem from

her turbulent relationship with her parents and past romantic partners, shaping her personality

and influencing her interactions with others. The scene where Kaira releases her emotional

pain by breaking jars in a supermarket underscores the pent-up frustration and lack of healthy

coping mechanisms resulting from suppressed emotions and unresolved conflicts.

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The film's portrayal of therapy as a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing

challenges societal misconceptions about mental health and therapy. By depicting therapy as

a positive and empowering experience, "Dear Zindagi" encourages viewers to destigmatize

mental health issues and seek professional help when needed. Through Dr. Jehangir's

guidance, Kaira learns valuable lessons about self-awareness, resilience, and acceptance,

highlighting the potential for growth and transformation through therapy.

d. Conclusion

Dear Zindagi" beautifully captures the intricacies of mental health, personal growth, and

emotional healing, offering viewers a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection.

Through the protagonist, Kaira's experiences, the film delves into the complexities of human

emotions and relationships, inviting viewers to reflect on their own struggles and triumphs.

One of the central themes of the movie is the normalization of conversations about mental

health. By portraying Kaira's journey of seeking therapy with Dr. Jehangir, the film

encourages viewers to break free from the stigma surrounding mental health issues and seek

professional help when needed. It highlights the transformative power of therapy in

facilitating personal growth, resilience, and acceptance, challenging societal misconceptions

and encouraging a more open and supportive approach to mental health.

Moreover, "Dear Zindagi" underscores the significance of healthy communication in

fostering meaningful connections and addressing emotional struggles. Kaira's struggles with

communication, both with her parents and romantic partners, serve as poignant reminders of

the importance of self-awareness and introspection in navigating life's challenges. The film

encourages viewers to reflect on their own communication patterns and relationships,

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recognizing the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior and fostering a deeper

understanding of oneself and others.

Moreover, "Dear Zindagi" underscores the significance of healthy communication in

fostering meaningful connections and addressing emotional struggles. Kaira's struggles with

communication, both with her parents and romantic partners, serve as poignant reminders of

the importance of self-awareness and introspection in navigating life's challenges. The film

encourages viewers to reflect on their own communication patterns and relationships,

recognizing the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior and fostering a deeper

understanding of oneself and others.

Ultimately, "Dear Zindagi" serves as a poignant reminder of the value of self-reflection,

communication, and seeking support in times of need. By embracing these principles,

individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth,

enriching their lives and relationships along the way. The film's message resonates deeply

with viewers, inspiring them to embrace their vulnerabilities, confront their inner demons,

and embrace the beauty of life's journey.

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Bhatnagar, A. (1997). Guidance and counselling. In M.B. Buch (Ed.), Fifth survey of
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Patterson, C. H. (1969). What is counseling psychology? Journal of Counseling Psychology,
16(1), 23–29. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0026678