The counselling process will depend on the individual counsellor, the individual client and the specific issue. However, there is a general counselling process that the counsellors will follow:
Counselling is a process that focuses on enhancing the psychological well-being of the client, such that the client is then able to reach their full potential.
Psychological well-being is achieved by the counsellor facilitating personal growth, development, and self-understanding in the client, which in turn will empowers the client to adapt more constructive life practices.
Counselling is a way of exploring difficult issues and the effect that they have had and may continue to have on us. As we work together in the counselling process, there is an opportunity to let go of and express painful feelings in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Sometimes a client may feel stuck in a pattern of behaviour which they want to change and we can look at strategies which can enable them to move towards making these changes. I always work at the client’s pace and there is no pressure placed on the client to produce results.
Confidentiality is maintained in accordance and only where the client has given their consent or there is a legal or civic obligation would any personal information be disclosed.
What you can expect
Counsellors work from differing theoretical approaches. For some counsellors, the focus is on solving problems here and now, dealing with more immediate, here and now issues. Different counsellors will place varying levels of emphasis on behaviour, on thinking and/or on emotional aspects. All counsellors have the central goal to assist you in increasing your sense of well-being.
Length of Counselling
Change doesn't happen quickly for most of us. The length of treatment depends on a number of variables. Variables include: the severity of the problem, the motivation of the client, the type of problem and the age of the client. The more focused and limited the problem being addressed, the shorter treatment can be. The more the treatment addresses healing emotional injuries, the longer it is likely to take.
What will happen?
Generally counsellors will help you to work through the following three steps:
1. Exploring your story - the nature of the problems and what impact they're having on you and your relationship. The history of how the problems arose and what changes you'd like to see.
2. Understanding your story - why you're struggling with these problems and the things that may be preventing you from overcoming them.
3. Rewriting your story - finding the strengths and resources to resolve your difficulties, or at least make them more bearable.
As a client you can expect the following:
Homework
An important part of finding solutions is making the most of the sessions. Sometimes homework assignments or recommended readings will be recommended which the individual or couple can pursue between sessions to enhance the counselling process.
If you are having problems with depression or anxiety or there are any indications that medication appears to be needed the counsellor will help the client get an appropriate medical evaluation.
How Does Counselling Work?
First and foremost, counselling works by giving you the chance to be heard. Your counsellor will give you all the time you need to talk, sob, shout or just think. It's an opportunity to look at the problem in a different way with someone who'll respect and encourage your opinions and decisions.
For many, the solution is right under their noses - it just takes someone objective to see what it is. It's like the saying "You can't see the wood for the trees" - counsellors are trained wood-spotters!
Sometimes it's hard to measure if counselling is effective, but it's an industry that's rapidly growing as more and more people are discovering the benefits for themselves. If you haven't considered counselling before, please don't leave it until it's too late.
What Benefits Can Be Expected?
Unresolved issues which are held in the memory can cause a variety of long-term reactions such as depression, hopelessness, anxiety, panic attacks and other negative effects in the body.
Although, initially, it can be painful, the process of letting go of traumatic memories, which we may have been carrying around for a long time, can bring great relief. Working through loss and bereavement, of whatever kind, can bring acceptance and closure.
Learning strategies and having the 'tools' to cope with difficult situations can be tremendously empowering.
Does Counselling Need To Be Long Term?
Although some counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists spend years speculating about the unconscious causes of a person's problem, I prefer to use practical cognitive-behavioral interventions tailored to meet the individual's special needs.
These techniques are highly effective. Dramatic improvements in attitudes, interpersonal relationships, behavior and self esteem usually occur in weeks or months rather than years; saving clients’ time and money.
Do I Have To Commit To A Certain Number Of Sessions Or Length Of Time?
You will be provided with an indication of the expected number of sessions however this will be continually re-assessed by both the client and the counsellor.
There will be no contracts and no set number of sessions. The client is free to continue sessions for as long as is deemed necessary or to complete the counselling at any time.
The session duration is 60 minutes.