It’s often available within GP surgeries so can be a good starting point if you’re seeking rapid help for mental distress. Counsellors are trained to help you find new ways of coping with issues, such as: - Seeing problems from different perspectives
- Identifying other options available
- Offering stress-relieving techniques
Importantly, the counsellor is there to share any upsetting thoughts you may feel. Despite beliefs to the contrary, counselling is not about giving advice, but rather about helping a person tap into their own resources to find ways through difficulties and dilemmas. It can provide support and offers a non-judgemental, neutral space to think and explore options with some guidance from another person. Common issues which counselling can be applied to include: - Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Career development
- Stress/anger management
- Bereavement
- Self development
- Change
Although similar, there are subtle differences between counselling and psychotherapy. In the context of mental health, counselling usually refers to a relatively brief treatment that is focused upon a specific symptom or problematic situation. It is usually conducted on a weekly basis and is short-term (6-12 sessions). Counsellors have generally trained for a shorter period of time and have a less expansive skill base than a psychotherapist. Things to consider before choosing your counsellor: - Gender – are you more comfortable discussing your problems with a man/woman?
- Sexual orientation - would you be more comfortable talking to someone who understands or identifies personally with your experience?
- Racial, ethnic or cultural background
- Approach - do you want someone who will be directive/instructive or would you prefer someone who lets you make the decisions of how counselling should progress?
This article was first published in May 2009.
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