Professional counselling is a safe and confidential* collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and well-being, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns.
How does counselling work?
Changes facilitated by counselling include a change in perspective, new insight, new ways of thinking about situations, a new awareness of feelings, enhanced capacity to tolerate and regulate feelings, new actions or behaviours, and new decisions about life.
The process and purpose of counselling are often misunderstood, and there are several myths and stigma attached to the process of Counselling.
MYTH: Counselling is only for people who have severe emotional and mental problems.
FACT: Seeing a counsellor does not mean you are mentally ill or “crazy”. Almost everyone has difficulties and challenges at some point, and being able to ask for help to overcome these challenges is a sign of strength.
MYTH: Seeking counselling is a sign of weakness.
FACT: Seeking counselling is a sign of taking responsibility for your well-being. It takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences. It is the first winning step for an individual in resolving their difficulties.
MYTH: The counsellor will “fix” your problems.
FACT: Counselling is not a “quick fix” to cure your problems. The counsellor’s role is to help you reflect and explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, examine your options, and assist you in achieving your goals.
MYTH: Â The counsellor cannot understand you unless they’ve had similar experiences or is of the same background.
FACT: Counsellors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences. Counsellors are professionally and extensively trained to treat a variety of life crises and issues.
The Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists is a company established by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and the Australian Counselling Association as an independent, national register of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. All practitioners listed on the ARCAP Register have completed professional qualifications in counselling or psychotherapy. They meet ongoing professional development requirements and have clinical supervision of their practice. Ensuring they provide a quality service to clients and abide by the ethical guidelines of the profession.
*Confidentiality is limited when there are risks to the safety of the client or others. Definition of counselling documentÂ
Source: Some Common Myths and Facts about Counselling –Â Psychology Matters.Asia