Counselling — talking, validating, processing

What is counselling?

People often come to counselling prompted by an immediate crisis, an accident, a critical incident, or some other traumatic event that is acute. Initially, the reason for seeking counselling is apparent on the surface- whether that be in the context of relationships and family issues, emotional distress, conflict or an incident at work, concern over health problems, and many other issues both internal and external that effect lived experience, and the ability to move on and heal.

Counselling has a reputation for being directive in its approach, often beginning with a specific problem or life situation that requires repair and focused attention. The process often involves talking through and de-briefing about an experience, with the aim to release tension, and discuss feelings of fear, distress, or shock. Like a psychotherapy session, counselling involves discussion, interpretation, and reflection, albeit with a more reparative focus.

Any person at some point in life, even if high-functioning and accomplished, may experience emotional and mental anguish, depression, anxiety, and feelings of fear and despair. These feelings, when discussed with a counsellor, allow for validation, clarity, and insight. Having the space to acknowledge these feelings makes it possible to move towards a state of restoration and repair, and a clearer recognition of what is required to move forward.

The counselling process 

The counselling process focuses our attention on what is important and relevant, the situations that need to change, and the dynamics that are no longer working. Although counselling often begins with a specific problem or life situation that requires help, through discussion and reflection, it may unearth underlying reasons that are the drivers of the presenting problem. Discoveries of this nature can be transformational and life-changing, finally exposing the source of issues that may have been reoccurring and embedded for quite some time.

In this way, the therapeutic process of counselling adds a different perspective to how a problem has been experienced or perceived, opening up the possibility of improving personal psychology and orientations toward living. People can experience a positive shift in their attitudes and potential, expand their emotional capacity, and form insightful understandings that help in the relief of suffering. Articulating inner feelings and thoughts can help people feel lighter,and is often accompanied by a much clearer path around choices to be made, and how to move forward in regard to a particular issue or life in general.