You might know what therapy is, but do you know what counselling is?
The "National Health Services" of the Great Britain, defined counselling as:
"Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained counsellor, or psychotherapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues" [1].
Counselling is also a type of therapy in its own right [1].
What can counselling help with?
Counselling can help you cope with:
a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder
an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility, unplanned pregnancy, or any medical diagnosis
a difficult life event, such as a relationship break-up, or study/work-related stress
difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger
other issues, such as sexual identity
You might be wondering, "What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?"
What is the difference between psychologist and counsellor?
Dr Tristan Snell, a counselling psychologist and senior lecturer in psychology at Deakin University, explained the main difference:
"Psychologists have special training in diagnosis and assessment, and they tend to support people with more severe mental health problems"
"Counsellors adopt a more person-centred and non-judgemental approach, meaning that they don't do diagnosis or assessment, but they will support people with mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness.’
What to expect from counselling
At your appointment, you'll be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions with a trained counsellor, who'll listen and support you without judging or criticising.
The counsellor can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, and find your own solutions to problems. But they will not usually give advice or tell you what to do.
Counselling can take place:
face to face
in a group
over the phone
online video call (Zoom or GoogleMeet etc.)
You may be offered a single session of counselling, a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or a longer course that lasts for several months or years.
It can take a number of sessions before you start to see progress, but you should gradually start to feel better with the help and support of your counsellor.
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