Why Counselling?
There are times in our lives when we experience hardship. Most times we cope OK. But sometimes, when a multiple of issues arrive at the same time, or when an issue persists for a long time, we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, constantly angry, fearful, depressed or anxious. We may find ourselves drinking more, becoming short-fused, breaking down or isolating ourselves from others. Sometimes we may even wonder why we keep jumping from one crisis to another or why we repeat the same destructive cycles.
Counselling is a collaborative process between a professional counsellor and a client with the aim to provide the client with a level of self-understanding of why they do what they do and more importantly, what strategies can be used to change negative behaviours. The client learns to manage future situations with greater self-awareness and in a manner that is healthier to the client.
The Counsellor would be fully present during the counselling sessions, using empathy and deep listening skills to establish a positive and safe working relationship with the client. Then, the Counsellor will empower the client to facilitate the changes that the client needs. Changes like having new insight, a healthier perspective, increasing tolerance to life’s stresses, a better ability to regulate emotions and behaviour and to make better life decisions.
Clients also learn to process powerful emotions such as grief or anger, deal with immediate causes of stress and anxiety, clarify values and identify options when making important decisions, manage conflicts within relationships, develop better interpersonal and communication skills, or work on destructive thought patterns and behaviours. Some of the things that may be explored are how the client relate with themselves and others, past experiences, future worries, grief and loss, addictions and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and phobias.
So, what can be gained from counselling?
- Improved communication and interpersonal skills
- Greater self-acceptance and self-esteem
- Ability to change self-defeating behaviours/habits
- Bbetter expression and management of emotions like anger and grief
- Relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns
- Increased confidence and decision-making skills
- Ability to manage stress effectively
- Improved problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- Decreased depression and anxiety symptoms
- Reduction in pharmaceutical interventions and substance misuse
- Improved quality of life
- Clarity of own behavioural contribution to wellbeing
- Reduction of suicidal ideation
If after reading this and you feel that some of the concerns above mirror yours, connect with us. Health Journey Partner has fully qualified and experienced counsellors that can work together with you to achieve your goals.
