Thursday, February 12, 2015

What is Counselling?

What is counselling?

- A space where you -the client - contract to spend time with a therapist (or counselor) to work through a problem.

- The therapist is specially trained in ‘talk therapy’. While you talk, the therapist does a special kind of listening and engagement, which enables him/her to help you through your problem. A counsellor will usually have a background in psychology or specialised counselling skills training.

- Each counseling session is usually 50-60 minutes long.

- Counselling sessions are usually held once, sometimes twice a week depending on your need. The sessions are usually spread over a number of weeks, till your issue is resolved or you/your counsellor feel comfortable enough to terminate therapy.

- Most counsellors would need to see you for at least for 3-4 sessions on an average to help you work through a problem. However, there are exceptions to this (and it is different with every client and therapist). 

- You may end up seeing the counsellor only once or twice or for several sessions over a period of time. Some clients also prefer to stay with a therapist over a long term and will often return to the same therapist after gaps of time. The duration of sessions can only be decided between you and your counsellor.


- In consultation with you (the client) and upon initial assessment, a therapist may give you a rough idea of how much time you may be required to spend in therapy.

- This counseling space is unique because no one else is allowed into that space (except you and the therapist), without your explicit permission.

- It is the therapist/counsellor's professional duty to listen to you without prejudice, judgment and ridicule.

- A therapist will never prescribe drugs or offer medical advice of any kind for your psychological/behavioral issues. This is done by a psychiatrist.

- A therapist may, however, sometimes train you in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing etc. to help you through your issue (among other things).

- Remember, at any point during your counselling relationship, you can speak to your therapist about anything that’s bothering you; making you uncomfortable, angry or embarrassed. The therapist will respect your views.

- You have every right to terminate the counselling relationship if you are uncomfortable with your counsellor. However, a counsellor will generally be more than willing to work through any issue that's hindering the counselling relationship if you bring it to their notice.

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