Individual counselling (sometimes called psychotherapy, talk therapy or treatment) is a one-to-one personal discussion between the counsellor and the client that focuses on the clients near future concerns. In the process the counsellor and the client forms a bond of trust that enables the clients' growth, it happens in a private, personal and secure setting. The psychology of counselling focuses on how people function both personally and with relationships at different stages of life. Counselling psychology addresses the social, work, school, emotional and physical health issues that people may have in their lives, focusing on a hectic life schedule leads to stress and more severe concerns which people may struggle with as an individual and as a part of society.
Counselling psychologists help individuals with physical, emotional and mental health issues and help improve their sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve issues.
How it helps?
Counselling basically helps point out the problems and understand what are the different aspects which can be worked on and improved.
Five Signs that indicate you need Therapy or Counselling:
Problem Addressed Areas:
Counselling psychotherapy is addressed by cultural, environmental and developmental areas, such as:
The First Counselling Session
Your first session will help you to decide whether this counsellor is the right one for you. Questions that you must ask yourself include:
- Am I able to talk freely about my deeply personal thoughts and emotions?
- Is the counsellor paying attention to me?
- Do I feel they understand and respect me?
- Do I feel safe in this space?
- Has the counsellor discussed a plan with me about how we will manage my issues or concerns?
- Am I able to communicate effectively with my counsellor / therapist?
If you decide that the counsellor isn’t the right one for you, you don’t have to go back. You are under no obligation to continue seeing a counsellor if you aren’t comfortable with them.
1. What should a client expect from the 1st Session
The first session is an ice-breaker of sorts where you gauge how comfortable you are with your counsellor/therapist and helps you build a rapport and understanding with your counsellor/therapist. You and your counsellor discuss the primary issues that you are trying to deal with and set a few general goals and a plan to achieve these goals. It is important that you find the right fit in a therapist and the first session helps you in deciding this.
2. What to expect from the 2nd Session
The second session is like a step ahead in relationship building between you and the counsellor and leads towards an in-depth exploration of the issues faced by you and what can be done to resolve them.
3. Final outcome of the Therapy / Counselling. What to expect from the whole Counseling Process?
The whole counselling process is a type of stepwise progression starting with relationship building. This then leads to assessing the problem at a deeper level and setting up goals and plans towards achievable outcomes. Once goals are set, active intervention and therapy is given based on the presenting issues. Once the intervention phase is over, an evaluation of your current status is done and if you feel that your issues have been resolved, the counselling process is terminated. Your counsellor/therapist may ask you for follow-up sessions from time to time, just to check all is well.
Common Myths about Counselling:
Suggestions for Effective Use of Counselling: