Why go to counselling?

Counselling

People come to counselling for many reasons. They generally go to counselling as they are emotionally distressed and cannot see a way of solving their problems and therefore need to speak to someone in a confidential, non-judgemental way in the hope of finding a solution to their problems. Many people lack the emotional and/or social support systems to assist them in coping with everyday stressful issues.

A counsellor can help the client through the decision making process by:

• helping them understand their problem;
• assisting them to set goals;
• helping them identify how to achieve each goal;
• going through the advantages and disadvantages of each course of action and the consequences of each action to assist them to choose what particular course of action suits them;
• allowing the client to select the best course of action;
• supporting them through their progress in achieving their goals.

While some clients come to counselling for help with an emotional or distressing situation, others come for help to create meaning in their lives or to develop lifestyle skills.

Some of the aims of counselling are:

• 1. Insight – to help the client gain an understanding of their emotional difficulties and help them to take control over their feelings and actions.
  2. Empowerment – to work on skills, awareness and knowledge that will enable the client to take control of their own life.
  3. Relating to Others – to help the client become better able to form and maintain meaningful and satisfying relationships with other people.
  4. Self-Awareness – to help the client become more aware of thoughts and feelings that had been blocked off or denied and how this is.

If you or someone you know needs to talk, contact me for a free 10 minute phone consultation to see how counselling could support you.