Counselling

Many people are unclear about what benefits counselling can provide to them. Counselling is a loose term for people helping other people by actively listening and talking in a meaningful way. There are many approaches to counselling, but I will only comment on those that I use.

I use several approaches, including, but not limited to: person-centred, solution focused, insight, and brief counselling. Another aspect of the counselling process is educational and skills training.

Person –Centered Counselling

The essence of this approach is the counsellor hearing your story as you tell it, and helping you to make sense of it. This process helps you to reflect on what you are experiencing and provides you with acknowledgement, validation and support. As simple as this sounds, this process helps greatly to reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, abandonment, sadness, frustration, anger, fear, confusion, helplessness and hopelessness, all in a safe, secure and professional environment. The counsellor will then assist and encourage you to explore various actions that you could take, and evaluate possible outcomes or consequences. The decision to take any specific action will always remain with you, and the counsellor will continue to support you in whatever decision you make. You have the knowledge and experience of a trained professional available to you. This approach is very supportive and nurturing.

Solution Focused Counselling

The essence of this approach is for the client and the counsellor to explore the problems the client may be experiencing, and for both to work together to clarify exactly what the problem(s) are. The counsellor can help you identify and evaluate various courses of action, and assist you to pick a specific course of action, and then over time, to refine your strategies. This approach is very practical and down to earth.

Insight Counselling

The essence of this approach is to look deeply into the origins of current problems, such as past traumas and developmental deficits. A trauma can be defined as something that did happen that normally would not have happened, such as separations, bereavements, abuse, bullying, illnesses, accidents, financial stress and social rejection. A deficit could be something that did not happen that normally would have happened, such as love, nurturing, confidence and esteem building, encouragement, adequate guidance, and well functioning adult role models. Insight into these areas often helps a person come to a clear understanding of how they got the way they are now, leading to greater self-acceptance and self-esteem, as well as clarifying what actions must be taken to overcome any unhealthy effects from the past. This approach usually takes longer, with the payoff being a more lasting and satisfying result. (See also Psychotherapy entry)

Brief Counselling

This approach can be described as looking deeply at one or two problem areas for the client, during one to three sessions. This is a “hit it hard, hit it fast” type of therapy. Session One explores the problem area, as described by the client, and the counsellor will give the client some things to work on before the next session. In Session Two, progress is evaluated, a deeper look is taken into the problem area, and the out-of-session work is refined for the client. Session Three, if necessary, explores the problem in a larger context and a long term self-care, self-development strategy is discussed – something the client can take away from this session as a future template. This approach seeks to achieve maximum benefit in one area by maintaining a narrow focus.

Educational & Skills Training

The focus of this approach is not only educational, but includes skills training and expansion of awareness. The education process includes suggested reading and courses, as well as information presented and explained by the counsellor. This includes books and discussions on subjects including: overcoming depression, handling anxiety, improving relationships, understanding your family of origin, adoption, and communication etc. Skill training is practicing in the office a variety of skills including: communication between you and your partner, children, blended families, workmates, boss, parents, siblings, friends, ex-partners, in-laws etc. as well as learning to change your thinking patterns, emotional responses, lifestyle, stress and time management techniques, and learning to relax. The value of this approach comes from learning only what you need to know for your own situation. The books help you get much more out of your counselling and the training practice turns the ideas into real life skills. For those who don’t easily take in information from books, the counsellor provides explanations and brief handouts during your session. The end result of this is an expanded awareness of yourself and others in your life. Life becomes more enjoyable, more meaningful and more manageable. You will find that you “stress-out” less and achieve more satisfaction in whatever you do.