Counselling Myths Part One
One of the questions I always ask potential clients is what they think counselling is? What does it look like in their imaginations- are they lying on a sofa in a darkened room or is the therapist able to see all their deepest darkest secrets with one glance? Do they think we will have some magic solution that will instantly change everything?
These preconceptions and myths can become barriers to reaching out and getting the support you need, they can make that initial email, call or session feel really stressful. I’m going to chat about a few of these myths and I’d love to hear from you- what counseling myths would you like to know more about? Comment on this post with your ideas and questions.
Counselling Myth 1: Counselling is only for those who are really struggling or unwell.
Counselling can help with a huge range of issues, Clients don’t need to be in crisis or have a psychiatric diagnosis to start therapy. Often counselling can be a healthy and normal part of processing big life events or changes or be something we chose to do to gain a deeper understanding of who we are. Clients will often start without a clear ‘problem’ or ‘issue’ just a feeling that they are unsatisfied with life or are stuck in a rut. Counsellors are trained to help you explore this and work out what you want to develop or work on.
Counselling Myths 2: Therapists offer one solution to every problem
While some NHS treatment pathways have specific programmes that research has demonstrated is useful for specific conditions that is not an approach I offer and these programmes are usually offered as part of a wider treatment plan.
I am a pluralistic therapist and that means I have developed a therapeutic menu. This is a wide range of ways to approach and work with an issue from across lots of ways of working. I work with you and give you options about how we work rather than offering one treatment or solution. That way you are the one in control of how we work and it allows solutions to fit you and your circumstances.
Counselling Myth 3: My problems aren't as bad as other peoples
This is a really common thought and it's a way we can psychologically defend ourselves against things that feel really uncomfortable by pushing away or negating what feels bad to us. When you are talking with a therapist they are focused on what matters to you, we don't compare you to other clients or see your problems as nothing or not that bad. If your problems are bothering or upsetting you we want to know and if they matter to you they matter to your therapist.
Counselling doesn’t have to be a mysterious or scary process. These Myths and many more can stop people reaching out. It's one of the reasons I offer a free introductory 15 min phonecall with potential clients to answer your questions and let you see that counselling is a resource that can have a hugely positive impact on your life no matter where you are on life's journey.
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