1. Only crazy people go to counselling
No, counselling is not just for people with mental health issues or disorders. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to, a third-party or just someone that is unbiased about a situation you’re in or feelings you’re having. It’s completely normal to seek help or advice when you just don’t feel yourself lately, and that’s okay too! Counselling doesn’t only need to be used when life gets hard, it can also be used as a preventative measure by helping provide you with mental and emotional tools and strategies to cope in future times of stress, or processing a difficult event.
2. Admitting that you need help makes you “weak”
People often confuse weakness with vulnerability. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable by sharing your emotions and feelings takes a lot of courage and is definitely not to be seen as a sign of weakness. Considering counselling means you are willing to take the crucial steps needed to feel better and improve your mental health. It means you are putting your wellbeing first and foremost. Everyone can benefit from counselling at some point in their lives.
3. Couples counselling is only for people that have “issues” in their relationship
To make a relationship thrive, you need to consistently work on it, just like you need to consistently water a plant for it to grow. Ask yourself this; why would you only water a plant when its leaves are looking wilted and dry? Counselling can help you and your partner work on skills like communication, conflict resolution and listening, and highlight individual needs within a relationship -which can really strengthen the foundation and bond between partners, especially when times are tough.
4. Counselling takes too long to “work”
The length of treatment will vary from person to person depending on the situation and the issue/s at hand. Some clients have reported a boost of confidence/relief and hopefulness after their first session when a counsellor can effectively hold a safe space. On average, people tend to see and feel results within the first three to six months of counselling. The counselling we offer is aimed to be empowering and solution focused on a client’s counselling goals. More severe or sensitive cases may take longer to work through and possible referrals might be required.
5. Counsellors are all the same – if you don’t have success with one, then what’s the point?
Do you get along with every person you meet? Do you click with everyone you work with? Of course not, no one does! No one responds the same way to medical treatment either. Counsellors and counselling are just the same and not every counsellor will be the perfect fit for you. Unfortunately, this is a trial-and-error process until you find what and who works best for you. Our sessions are aimed at affordability to provide you with the opportunity early on to decide whether you would like to continue the counselling journey with our counsellors. Choosing your mental healthcare ally is a personal choice and one we encourage you to consider with care.
