F A Q

What is Counselling?

Counselling is the skilled and principled use of relationship to facilitate self- knowledge, emotional acceptance and growth and the optimal development of personal resources. The overall aim is to provide an opportunity to work towards living more satisfyingly and resourcefully. Counselling relationships will vary according to need but may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insights and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others. The counsellor's role is to facilitate the clients work in ways that respect the client's values, personal resources and capacity for self-determination (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy., 1986)

When do you need help from the Counselling Centre?

You might need our help when you experience the following-

• Stressed
• Anxious
• Not performing well in class or according to your expectations
• Have problems in a relationship
• Dealing with identity crisis
• Not enjoying things at present
• Problems in Appetite
• Disturbed Sleep
• Suffering from some form of addiction in a way that it interferes with daily functioning
• Racing thoughts... so much so that it seems like a problem
• Unable to concentrate
• Life just doesn't feel any more worthwhile
• Trying to improve upon some of your own deficits

Besides these, there may be various reasons for you to come to the Counselling Centre where your issues will be dealt by trained staff in a non - judgmental manner so that you can work through your issues and achieve counselling goals step - by - step. More details can be found on the home page.

What is Counselling like?

The first counselling session is an opportunity to talk about all the issues that have been distressing you. If you are attending with a partner or family member the neutral space allows you both to share your worries respectfully. Even if there has been considerable conflict in a relationship to begin with, counselling can assist in developing a mutual understanding.

A counsellor will never judge you or criticise you. What you say will be held in the strictest of confidence and not disclosed. Anything you feel you need or want to say is fine to be discussed in counselling

It can take a number of sessions before you start to see progress, but you should gradually start to feel better with the help and support of your therapist (National Health Services, United Kingdom)

Will my information be confidential?

Confidentiality is essential in a therapy relationship as part of building trust. (BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy [2010]) However, confidentiality is not absolute, and there are exceptions. Sometimes, in the public interest, counsellors may need to make a referral to an agency or organisation when there is a serious risk of imminent harm to their clients or to others, for example where a client is seriously mentally ill and needs hospitalisation, or in cases of child or elder abuse. These referrals are usually (but not always) made with the client's knowledge and consent. This decision will depend on the particular circumstances of each client.

How often am I required to meet my therapist?

The frequency of meeting your therapist largely depends upon your presenting issues and goals of treatment. Regular attendance for therapy session will help you achieve your goals and thus improve your wellbeing. Therefore, you need to mutually agree with your Counsellor regarding the dates and time.

What are the some common myths about Counselling?

Going for Counselling sessions means I am very weak.

To be honest, it takes a lot of courage to come forward and talk about your issues to a Counsellor who at that time is a stranger for you.

My problems will be solved immediately.

The goal of counselling is not to "fix" your problems immediately. It is a process where one learns to identify one's problems and work towards their solutions by setting up goals. Coming to a solution may help you identify your feelings, thoughts and behaviors and therefore decide along with your counsellor how to best handle these things, thus initiating a step to achieve your goals in the best possible way.

A therapist might not understand my feelings.

It is very true that each individual is unique. However, counsellors are professionals who have been trained to be sensitive and at the same time be respectful towards others' life experiences. Therefore, you can be assured that you will get the best care available.