6 Reasons People Are Worried About Counselling
If the idea of counselling makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Most of my clients have said it took them a long time to gather the courage to contact me. They’ve also said they wish they’d done it way sooner.
If you’ve never seen a counsellor before, you might share some familiar concerns. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:
1. I’m not weak, incompetent, or crazy. Isn’t that who counselling is for?
There isn’t a person on earth who knows how to do everything flawlessly. That includes navigating emotional landscapes and negotiating the complexities of human relationships. It’s a mark of intelligence, strength, wisdom and maturity to recognize that you can benefit from another’s expertise and to consult with them accordingly.
2. I’m worried I won’t like my counsellor.
It’s extremely important that you do like your counsellor. You need to feel comfortable with them, and be confident that what they offer will be useful. If you don’t find the right match on the first try, don’t be afraid to keep looking. A good counsellor will encourage you to find the right counsellor for you, and may even recommend a colleague!
3. I don't see the point in revisiting the bad stuff that has happened to me.
Good counselling isn't focused on the bad stuff that's happened to you. In fact, we don't have to talk about that at all, unless you want to. Good counselling is focused on getting really clear about where you're at now, and taking a good look at what is and isn't working for you. It’s focused on helping you develop greater awareness of and a deeper relationship with yourself, your emotions, and your unconscious responses; and unravelling the mysteries of what’s getting in your way. It’s focused on developing skills, insights, tools and strategies you can use to change what isn't working, navigate challenges with grace and confidence, and manifest more of what it is that brings you peace, joy and satisfaction. If you’re living with trauma or blockages carried over from past events, there are lots of ways to address this that don’t involve re-living the experiences. And remember: You are always in the driver’s seat.
4. My loved one thinks I’m going to say bad things about them.
Your friends and family can rest easy. A good counsellor will keep the focus of every session on you. Your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Your behaviours, discoveries, and solutions. If there are challenges in your relationships with other people, you’ll get to discover how to navigate those challenges in empowered ways. If you need to vent or process your emotions (which we all do sometimes), a good counsellor will be able to hear you out without making personal judgements or opinions. They will always keep the session focused on you.
5. I’m concerned about my privacy.
Your privacy is fully protected. Professional counsellors are bound to a code of ethics that includes uncompromising confidentiality. Your counsellor can’t tell anyone else about your sessions, or even that you’re seeing them. Most counsellors also have a protocol for when they encounter clients in public. There are rare situations in which they may be required, by law, to share specific information. A good counsellor will review this with you, and clarify their individual policies. If they forget, make sure to ask!
6. I don’t know what to expect.
When you find your right fit, a good therapy session will inspire you to see the world a little differently. You’ll entertain new & different perspectives. You’ll feel more empowered and knowledgeable, and you’ll develop insights and skills that help you be more at ease. You’ll remember that life challenges are a universal experience. You’ll come to know your counsellor as a trustworthy ally, and you might even surprise yourself by looking forward to the sessions you once thought you’d dread!
For a closer look at what to expect in your first session with me, check out: What Should I Expect?
-Teron