What is Counselling?

If you're currently reading this, then you are already probably thinking about taking the next step and becoming involved with counselling but what exactly is counselling?

Counselling is defined as a safe and private conversation that arises from the intention of a person wanting to reflect and attempt to resolve a problem that is affecting their life combined with the willingness of another person to assist with this endeavour (McLeod & McLeod, 2003).

In other words, counselling is a safe place for individuals who are currently experiencing hardships or difficulties within their daily lives, ultimately affecting the way they function in everyday situations. Most of the time, we may be able to cope and adjust to certain daily situations however we may also be stopped in our tracks by a particular event or situation, where at that time, do not have the proper resources to cope. Most of the time, we share our hardships with friends, family, neighbours, doctor or priests. However, sometimes we might feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell them what is bothering us during that moment. When those times arise, counselling is an incredibly useful tool to use especially when counselling might be available fairly quickly.

Overall, counselling is an incredible tool, that provides you with a safe space to be able to identify the problem and develop the skills and knowledge to resolve the issue. It is the opportunity to perhaps get things off your chest and allow yourself to breathe even for a little bit.