Why should you consider counselling? It’s a good question. It’s also a necessary question. After all, why would you want to fork out money for something without knowing what you will gain from it? Right?
However, the first thing I have to say (call it a disclaimer if you will), is that for all the potential benefits of counselling, there is a condition; that you will get what you put in. None of these potential benefits can be gained without you, the client, also having to put in the work for it. However, that’s a separate blog which you can read at a later date if you wish.
For now, let’s focus on what the potential benefits are if you DO put in the work.
- Self Exploration & Discovery: Having counselling sessions gives you the opportunity to carve out time with the specific aim of exploring your own self and any issues or concerns you feel you have. In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to make time for ourselves to reflect and evaluate on our own healthy and unhealthy processes. Counselling allows you that opportunity (without any judgement of course).
- Concern clarification: Exploring your concerns with another person in a safe environment allows you to explore what is truly causing you concern, (many a times this will not be what you think it is). It will also allow you to understand your thoughts and feelings in a different, more objective way.
- Freedom of expression & emotional regulation: Initial stages of counselling are usually about giving you the safety to express whatever you feel, be it anger, anxiety, fear etc. As you evolve, counselling then becomes about supporting you to identify and express your thoughts and feelings in a healthier way. (This does not mean that you will not feel “negative” emotions because, the truth is, that there is no such thing as “negative” emotions. All emotions are a part of life; however, it does mean that you feel better equipped to manage your emotions better).
- Self-Awareness: Learning to observe your behaviours, thoughts and feelings objectively allows you to make better decisions for yourself and for those around you. It allows you to be more open and accepting about who you are as a person in terms of your strengths as well as recognising which areas in your life require more of your attention. It also makes you more aware of realistic choices that are available to you, based on improved and objective awareness of what is and isn’t in your control.
- Greater self-acceptance: It is so easy to fall into an unhealthy habit of focussing solely on your “negative” traits and “flaws”. This can also increase feelings of being alone in certain situations. Counselling allows you to recognise that perfection is impossible and that you as a human who makes mistakes, are similar to many others who also feel and behave as you do. This allows you the opportunity to become more compassionate with yourself. (It also helps that your counsellor genuinely listens and interacts with you without any judgement).
- Choice recognition/ “Grey” thinking: You may have more options and choices than think. However, when feeling overwhelmed and isolated, it is easy to forget or be unable to recall or consider what those options and choices are. Counselling helps with that. By reducing the overwhelm and gently probing and clarifying, your counsellor can support you to learn new ways of approaching situations that would previously cause you distress.
- Power recognition: You as a human with limitations and “weaknesses”, are still extremely powerful. Counselling supports you in learning to recognise your strengths and your achievements (even when you feel there are none). The aim is to support you in recognising your own wisdom and value. It also supports you in recognising and acknowledging that no one has experienced your life exactly as you have and therefore no one is the expert of your own life, other than you.
- Improved communication skills: Our life experiences teach us how to communicate, however they are not always the healthiest ways. This can lead to a multitude of unhealthy communication skills which leads to all sorts of problems in life. Through counselling you are supported in being more open and honest about your needs, wants and boundaries and how to express those to yourself and others in healthier ways.
- Relationship Improvement: All of the above benefits tend to lead to a more balanced and congruent way of living. That allows you to have a more realistic and loving relationship with yourself as well as with others. Through tapping into your own wisdom and strength, you’ll be able to recognise which relationships are meaningful for you and which may no longer serve you in the healthiest way. Your relationship with your counsellor will also play a valuable role in learning how to navigate relationships outside of the counselling room.
All the above benefits can be useful to your daily life. Within the counselling environment you can explore, practice and improve the skills that you learn with your counsellor in a safe environment, before applying them to situations outside of your sessions. This allows you to build your confidence and courage and will ultimately lead to a more balanced life with healthier boundaries & open communication with yourself as well as with others.
I’m sure that there are more benefits to counselling so if you can think of anymore or want to tell me your thoughts about this blog, feel free to comment below. If you would like to learn more please contact me here.