Who finds Counselling helpful?

I thought I'd start with explaining some of the benefits of counselling - what you can expect counselling to help with. I have a counsellor, and I am a counsellor, so I see firsthand the impact it can have. For some of you, this may be the first time you have considered counselling.

The Benefits of Counselling

As I searched for "evidence" to support my observations, I found this article on 8 Benefits of Seeing a Counsellor. It presents a good list that I felt was worth sharing. Counselling can:

• Relieve unpleasant emotions

• Develop openness and acceptance

• Pave the way for new perspectives

• Provide comfort and security

• Emphasise independence and individuality

• Stimulate a positive disposition

• Resolve internal conflicts

• Nurture mental wellness

  
  

Understanding Counselling

Counselling does not fall under the Medical Model in Australia, which is one reason I became a counsellor. I describe counselling as a modality where we focus on what is happening to you, not what is wrong with you. We explore your experiences, how you respond, and whether that response is helpful. Sometimes, this means examining when you first used a particular response and how it kept you safe. We then consider how things have changed and why we can now safely alter your response or move out of the situation.

The Role of Supporters

Counselling isn't only for those who have directly experienced trauma or challenges. Supporting someone through difficult times can be hard, and sometimes the supporter needs support too. Something I love about counselling is that it can be contagious. For example, I have often worked with partners, friends, or siblings of those who have experienced a traumatic event or grief. I also support parents navigating the challenges of parenting a child who is grieving or has experienced trauma.

Counselling helps the supporter emotionally regulate, form a support network, and validate their experiences. This way, they can provide support to their loved one without becoming dysregulated themselves. They can be their person’s safe person while feeling grounded and confident that they have the tools to manage the situation. In short, counselling is beneficial when the situation you are navigating has impacted your life and relationships.

Why People Attend Counselling

Why do people attend counselling? There are countless reasons, making it difficult to list them all. This is likely why I appreciated the list above. If you are considering counselling, perhaps that list can help you reflect on what prompted you to think that counselling might be helpful.

Finding Comfort in Counselling

I view counselling as a space where you can make sense of the world and its impact on you. It’s a place to find a way to be a little more comfortable—or a lot more comfortable. It offers support to help you navigate change and challenges. It’s a safe space to get to know yourself better and understand who you are now.

My Approach to Counselling

I consider myself a Person-Centred, Client-Led Counsellor. What does that mean? It means I see myself as a safe person you can trust to walk beside you as you navigate challenges, explore questions, and trial new strategies. Together, we can move towards thriving and living a life you enjoy as you learn to know who you are and what you want.

I invite you to bring your thoughts and feelings into our space. I wrote about a "Counselling Journal" here, which I believe is a beautiful tool that supports growth. These sessions are yours; you decide what you want out of them. We then explore, recognise your strengths, and create solutions that are unique to you, addressing the things you bring into our space.

Additional Resources

If you are a counsellor or work in the caring industry, you may also find this blog post helpful: When the Carer Needs Some Care: Counselling for Those in the Caring Industry. I have a Pay it Forward Practice explained in that post.

Taking the Next Step

If you are facing a situation that feels unfamiliar and confusing, and you’d like to build some tools or gain clarity, I invite you to consider counselling. Feel free to explore my site and perhaps reach out for a 15 Minute FREE Connection Call. You can also check out my FAQs for more information about who finds counselling helpful and who I work with.

Take care,

Kirsten