Is Counselling For Me?

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Seeing a Therapist can still be rather a taboo subject; it was something we used to see in movies and was usually for people from across the pond. The subject of seeking professional help can be something that you do not openly tell your friends and family in fear of being judged. Thankfully, however, there has been a shift in understanding mental health and the importance of well-being.

Are you feeling stuck? Wanting to change and not knowing how? Do you want to feel safe, be emotionally vulnerable without fear of being judged, explore your options and develop the skills to handle various life challenges?

Contrary to popular opinion, you do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to seek professional support. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery can be daunting and challenging but will also be extremely beneficial.

Seeking help in itself is very brave, but also very enlightening. The first step is often the hardest. It can fill you with questions of where do I start? Where do I go? Who do I see?

If you have been thinking about getting counselling then perhaps this FAQ today can help with making that decision a little bit easier.

How do I know I need counselling?

Only you can decide whether you want to try counselling, but if you are struggling to cope and are finding day-to-day life difficult, you may benefit from professional help. Just talking to someone confidentially, who is not a friend or a family member, can make all the difference. Counselling provides a regular time for you to explore your feelings and talk about any problems that you are experiencing. A counsellor can support you through your journey and support you to move forward and get the most out of your life by helping you to process your thoughts and feelings, and providing you with lifelong tools to support you.

Where do I start?

As with any first in our lives, finding the right counsellor can be an overwhelming experience. You will come across several online profiles, but how do you know who to choose? Perhaps you can ask yourself the following questions:

• Are they qualified?

• Are they registered with a governing body?

• Do I feel comfortable with them?

• Do I feel safe in their working environment?

Your counsellor will be someone who you will share your inner world with, where you are most vulnerable and therefore they need to be the right fit. Most counsellors offer a free 10 to 15-minute telephone consultation. This is a perfect opportunity to see if the counsellor fits for you. I advise my prospective clients that it can almost feel like an interview process where you need to speak to more than one person until you feel the right connection and feel comfortable. Please be reassured that if you choose not to start your journey with any particular counsellor, they will not be offended. Any counsellor would want you to find the help that you need.

There are some useful websites that you can search for a Counsellor: www.counselling-directory.org.uk www.psychologytoday.com www.bacp.co.uk/ www.mind.org.uk

Alternatively, you can self-refer to NHS via www.lets-talk-iapt.nhs.uk

You have found a counsellor you feel comfortable with, what is next?

Usually your counsellor will ask you to attend an assessment. This is a good time to meet your counsellor face to face. During the assessment, your counsellor will ask you about the issues you are experiencing. The assessment time is usually 50 minutes. During your assessment, you will be asked questions about what has brought you to counselling and a brief look into history. During the assessment, it is common to agree on timescales, days of the week suitable for you and some goals that you would like to work towards. Your counsellor will ask you to sign a basic contract at the end of this first assessment to agree on frequency of your appointments and confidentiality.

How long should I expect to have counselling for?

The length of your sessions will very much depend on your unique circumstances. I usually start with 6 or twelve sessions followed by a review. Psychodynamic, humanistic therapies tend to be longer term and can last for many months, even years. Once you start your sessions, you embark on a journey of self-exploration. You may think that you know what the issue is and then something else may come up. In summary, it is best to keep an open mind over how long you will be in counseling.

Will my sessions be confidential?

Yes, counselling sessions are confidential. Your counsellor is ethically bound to keep what you share private.

Registered counsellors are obliged to have a supervisor overseeing their work, to ensure they are maintaining a high level of assistance to their clients. While they may discuss you to their supervisor, your identity would not be divulged and the supervisor would also be under oath to protect any information that is shared.

I have more questions that I could not find the answers for?

That is totally fine, please get in touch with any questions you have and we will do our best to answer them.

Serif Ali is a humanistic integrative counsellor who works with individuals, young adults and couples. Integrative means that she is trained in several types of therapy that can blend to best match your needs. This form of therapy is designed based on what the client is bringing to the sessions.