1300 184 746Counselling is a form of ‘talk therapy’.
It is a process where an individual, couple or family meet with a trained professional counsellor to talk about issues and problems that they are facing in their lives.
Professional counselling is confidential and non-judgmental.
Counselling can provide people with the opportunity to share their views, be heard and gain new perspectives on their situation and experiences.
Counselling can help people to gain clarity surrounding issues.
Together with their counsellor people identify and work towards achieving the desired outcomes and goals for counselling.
What is Professional Counselling?
Professional counselling can provide guidance to help people navigate life’s challenges.
According to 20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling, the delegates comprised of 31 counseling organizations agreed upon a unified definition of counselling:
Professional counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing.
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia define professional counselling as:
Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns. Clients are active participants in the counselling process at every stage.
How can counselling help me?
Counselling is used to deal with a broad range of issues and problems that you may be facing.
It can help you to deal with stress, provide treatment for anxiety and treatment for depression.
Counselling can provide you with the opportunity to reassess or set new goals in your life and help you to gain clarity and direction.
Counselling can be used to address issues and problems within your relationship or provide mediation between you and your partner.
Finding a counsellor
Often people will engage in counselling when a crisis has occurred in their lives.
When searching for an appropriate counselling service, don’t be afraid to ask the counsellor questions.
Counsellors will specialise in different areas. You may like to ask the counsellor –
- if they have a particular area of expertise (such as marriage counselling or grief and loss)
- what each session will cost
- the amount of sessions that may be required to achieve your goals for counselling
To ensure that you will receive a professional counselling service, ask your counsellor if they are member of one of the peak professional bodies of counselling in Australia, such as the Australian Counselling Association and if they adhere to a Professional Code of Ethics.
If you would like assistance to find a counsellor, find a psychologist or information on local counselling services, contact us today.
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