Individual
Counselling

AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, WE WILL ALL EXPERIENCE PERSONAL CHALLENGES OR DIFFICULTIES IN OUR LIVES.

Some of these experiences can be worked through by talking with a trusted friend or family member, or by figuring out our own ways to manage the problems and cope. There are, however, times when these challenges are too much for us to manage on our own, and seeking support and strategies from a professional such as a counselor can really help untangle a situation, issue, or our feelings.

Counselling offers a space for you to be heard and your story to be acknowledged in the compassionate presence of a counselor.

A counselor is a trained and highly skilled professional who offers expertise & perspective in a collaborative process. They also hold space for your story, suggest strategies for resolving symptoms and provide guidance as you move towards personal growth & healing. Ultimately, counselling  can be a helpful tool for people to come to terms with the problems they are facing and set a plan to help them build resilience and eventually get to a better place.

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Counselling can mean different things to different people, and your journey in therapy will be uniquely your own. However, generally the counselling process involves addressing your problems in a positive way by helping you to clarify the issues, set goals & explore options, develop strategies, process experiences and increase self-awareness. For some, the simple act of telling their story in a space they feel heard is helpful.

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THE COUNSELLING PROCESS

The first stage of counselling is a time where therapist and client get to know one another and work to create a secure, compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship. The relationship is a key aspect of the therapeutic process, and it is important that the client feels comfortable to explore what brought them into therapy. The first few sessions involve creating a space for the client to tell the story of their lived experiences in the presence of an attuned and empathetic listener. The therapist will ask some questions as they gather information to better understand the clients concerns and discuss symptoms they may be experiencing. During these first few sessions the therapist and client will also establish a direction for future therapy to help address the client's concerns and the therapist may also suggest therapeutic tools to the client to help bring some relief to the symptoms they may be experiencing.

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Once a relationship of trust has been established the therapist and client will begin work on a deeper level. This work may include the use of specific therapeutic interventions depending on established therapeutic goals. This work may also include additional strategies to manage symptoms. During this stage, therapy may involve the processing of information, building a deeper self awareness, working through physiological manifestations of stress, and working towards the positive change the client may want to make in the future.

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The process and length of counselling may vary depending on the needs of a client. For some, counselling may end when the client feels they have met the goals they have set out at the start of therapy. For others, time in therapy may be ongoing if they find the support beneficial for their long term mental health; though the frequency between session may vary. The hope is that as individuals reach their therapeutic goals and find new strategies for moving forward from their concerns, they will develop a more positive outlook , build resilience and flourish as they move into the future.

 

HOW MANY SESSION WILL I NEED?

Sometimes, a client may find that just a few sessions are required. Other times, clients find that regular, ongoing counselling, over a longer period of time is useful to achieve full and complete resolution of their issues. With this in mind, the number of sessions you will require depends primarily on three factors: what your goals are; the extent of stressors you have sustained in your life; and how stress has been encoded in your brain and nervous system. The process may take work, time and effort on your part, however, you will be reap the benefits of a greater sense of well-being through the work.  

 

Anyone who is struggling with a personal concern can seek counselling and there is no issue that is too big or too small to ask for support.

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