FAQ

Myths About Counseling

2007-03-10T06:26:10Z

Counseling is a sign of weakness: Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes courage to acknowledge a problem or difficulty. Entering counseling is an important first step in resolving the problem.
Counseling is only for people with serious emotional problems: Although counseling can be beneficial for people who do have serious emotional problems, it is also helpful for people with everyday concerns such as adjustment or phase of life issues.
Counseling is advice giving: By the time many people come to counseling, they have had more advice than they can handle. Counseling operates from the premise that the counselor is knowledgeable about the change process, but that you are the expert on your life. In some ways counseling is like working with a coach. You do the work, but by working with someone who has training and experience with facilitating positive change, you are likely to work more effectively and see results more quickly.
Counseling is a last resort: Most of us do not think that we have to experience a heart attack before we can see a doctor; it is OK to go if we merely have a sprained ankle. The same applies to counseling - you don't have to have the emotional equivalent of a heart attack to see a counselor. By working with a counselor you can often get back on track much faster and save yourself a lot of unnecessary distress.
Counseling is not confidential: Mental health professionals must maintain confidentiality except as authorized or required by law. Exceptions to confidentiality include: situations wherein you are a physical threat to someone else or yourself; there is suspected harm being done to a child, elder adult, or disabled individual; a judge provides a court order requiring that we release your records. You will, of course, be notified if your counselor is required to share information in any of these instances. Please feel free to ask your counselor about confidentiality laws.

What does a session look like?

2007-03-09T15:01:33Z

From the outside, a session might look like any other focused and important conversation between two people in a quiet and comfortable environment. You and your therapist will sit across from each other and explore the issue that brought you into therapy. Your therapist will listen carefully to get a good understanding of what you are saying and how you are feeling about it. At times, Your therapist might ask you to clarify something and/or provide feedback for you. While therapy might look like a conversation from the outside, there are important distinctions between the two. The therapeutic relationship has very clear boundaries, is goal directed, focused, and purposeful.

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What is online counseling or e-therapy?

2007-03-09T14:58:05Z

Counseling via the internet using e-mail, chat, or video conferencing. Some people prefer the convenience of this method of communication with their therapist. Read more information about online therapy HERE.

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Is there any risk?

2007-03-09T14:56:38Z

Many people have concerns about what might happen if they start exploring their own psychological make-up. Some worry that a counsellor or psychotherapist might cause emotional harm or read their thoughts. Others fear that they would become controlled by the therapist and be made to do things they didn’t want to do.
It’s natural to be a little apprehensive about something new. That’s why it is important to meet, discuss any concerns, and ask questions before making a final decision. Ask the therapist what training they have had, what supervision they receive, and what is their code of ethics.
The fact is, counsellors and psychotherapists don’t do anything to anyone. They are also trained and experienced in supporting people who are feeling apprehensive, lost, scared, sad or vulnerable.
The other way to look at it is to ask what risks are there in not seeking professional help? We are increasingly aware of the links between psychological and physical health. Keeping a lid on things is not usually the best way to handle emotional issues. In the long run, we may suffer more profound effects such as physical aches and pains, lack of energy, stress, depressed libido or even ‘mental breakdown’.

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What is psychotherapy?

2007-03-09T14:52:12Z

Psychotherapy treatment involves listening and talking, and understanding the relationship between the people involved.
Each psychotherapy session provides the opportunity to find space to tell your story, and be listened to. The important part of this is establishing a healing relationship with the therapist or the therapist and other members of a group.

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Whats the difference between counseling & therapy

2006-06-25T15:25:22Z

There’s a lot of overlap. Both can be enriching and help you to deal with your problems in a more effective way. Counselling often focuses on a specific problem, whereas psychotherapy tends to deal with more deep-seated issues arising from your past. Many people who seek psychotherapy are not in a crisis, but are interested in finding out about themselves, improving relationships and living a more rewarding life.
Unlike most counsellors, psychotherapists will have been through therapy themselves as part of their training and development.

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Is counseling right for me?

2006-06-25T15:21:52Z

Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after comparatively few meetings. Like any other treatment or life experience, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each individual has to make up their own mind about whether therapy is helpful for them. The initial consultations aim to help people think about this, in collaboration with a therapist.

Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set yourself realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of benefit.

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