What is Counseling ?

Counseling is a form of psychotherapy which can be used by anyone wishing to resolve a minor problem or deal with a life crisis. It is our natural way of coping with difficulties, and in many cases, just talking a problem over with someone else helps to ease the anxiety. Counseling is essentially a form of self-healing as it enables us to re-think the mechanisms that we have become used to using for dealing with problems, offering new ways to approach and manage our lives. Holistically, it is a way of maintaining a balance in the mental and emotional spheres of our lives.
Who can benefit from Counseling ?
Everyone can benefit from being aware of and addressing any conflict areas in their life, in order to improve their environment, relationships etc.- we have all turned to a friend, family member or colleague for advice at some stage. However sometimes problems may need to be resolved with the help of a trained professional - a totally neutral third party. Counseling can also form an integral part of the healing process for those who have lost a loved one, or who are suffering from a terminal illness, helping them to come to terms with death and bereavement. Specialists are available for areas of specific need, e.g. career Counseling or marriage Counseling. Group Counseling is beneficial for people to share their feelings and receive advice from those in similar circumstances, as well as for victims & survivors of disasters.

How do I find a counselor ?

Finding a counselor who you are comfortable with is of utmost importance. It is essential to feel at ease with and able to confide in him/her. If you need to treat a specific problem area in your life, it is a good idea to consult someone who specialises in that area. Life Line is a 24 hour service which offers confidential telephone and face-to-face Counseling and contact information for organisations such as Rape Crisis and Child Line. Most churches, synagogues, mosques and temples offer some form of a Counseling service. Alternatively, your doctor will be able to refer you to a suitable counselor, if there is not one at his/her particular practice. Bear in mind that often it is the nature and temperament of the counselor that is more important than medical qualifications.

What happens during a Counseling session ?

Whether just pouring it all out to a sympathetic friend, or spending a slightly more formal session with a trained counselor, the main requirement of counseling is the need to be heard, and listening will be one of the most important functions of your counselor. You will have a chance to talk about your problems openly and be able to express your feelings in a secure and non-judgemental atmosphere. In this way the counselor is given a chance to note your attitude and behaviour, and thus give you objective insights and advice as to how to deal with the problem.

Often the feeling of release and support can alone bring relief. Furthermore, a counselor will offer feedback and encourage you to examine your situation, presenting you with options for resolving it. From there it is up to you to decide what course of action to take, with the support of your counselor.

How can I help the counseling process ?

As with most things, to get the best results requires some effort! By simply acknowledging that there is an issue which needs to be addressed, you have already started the process. The most important thing is to remain aware and listen to the signs that your body is giving you: they may be telling you that you need time for relaxation, or that you need to express your emotions by punching a cushion, writing them down, or having a good cry. Whatever the case, to get the most benefit from counseling, you will need to back up the work you have achieved with your counselor, both in-between sessions and also after your counseling has finished, by carrying on with the process yourself.