Modalities: Counselling and Psychotherapy
Why Counselling?
During times of uncertainty and change, counsellors can assist us to work with the various challenges life invariably presents. "At this very moment you might be struggling with problems, big or small. You may be feeling confused, sad, angry or alone in some way. You might be concerned about someone you love, or simply keen to take more control over your life so that you can start living in a way that feels more complete. Whatever it is that you are going though, or wishing for, I promise you something: your life will become easier if you allow yourself the help of others from time to time" from Todd Zemek's book: Shopping For A Shrink The confidential and respectful nature of the counselling relationship creates a safe context for us to begin the process of getting in touch with what it is we need, to truly experience our feelings and to understand and work with what may be getting in the way of us achieving a sense of well being. Counselling is a deeply supportive, sometimes challenging, richly rewarding process.
What to look for when choosing a counsellor
What are their qualifications?
Qualifications are by no means the full story, but they certainly help! Appropriate training can ensure that the counsellor you choose has a deep understanding of the theoretical and experiential nature of counselling, and as such, will most likely be affiliated with a particular counselling association.
Does the counsellor belong to a recognised counselling association?
When you are looking for a counsellor, if you don't have a personal recommendation from a friend or other health professional, it can be tricky to know who to see. Because choosing a counsellor can be a difficult task, recognised counselling associations help to ensure the general public of high quality. This can take some of the stress out of selecting a counsellor!
Experience & Background
How long has the counsellor been practicing? You may wish to know the training pathway the counsellor has followed and what their particular style of counselling is. These are questions you should feel free to ask when talking to a counsellor on the telephone or during the first consultation when you're both establishing your 'fit' with each other.
Setting
It's important to feel comfortable with the setting and environment ~ does the counsellor's room ensure privacy? Is it aesthetically pleasing to you? Can you relax?
Rapport
Your relationship with your counsellor is going to be the most important factor when choosing a counsellor. Obviously, relationships take time to grow. However, for the work to be productive, you need to feel a positive connection with your counsellor (even if you are somewhat anxious!) Empathy, positive regard, good listening ability and skill are the essential ingredients of a good counsellor that will assist you to feel safe and supported.
Contact
Feel free to spend 5 - 10 minutes talking to a prospective counsellor. You may want to ask about their qualifications, experience, approach, availability and fees. The counsellor may ask you to briefly describe the issues or concerns you have, to make sure she or he is the best person for you. Already you are gaining a sense of each other. The first consultation will be another opportunity to ask questions and to gauge more fully whether you wish to pursue a counselling relationship with this particular counsellor.