We’ve all heard the misconceptions about what therapy looks like. Now it’s time to leave the clichés aside…
Myth: Isn’t counselling only for people in crisis?
Reality: No. If something is unsettling enough for you to consider counselling, it’s the right step for you. You don’t need to be at rock bottom. People seek counselling for any number of reasons:
- Relationship issues
- Bereavement or other losses (employment, disability)
- Diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions
- Struggles with neurodivergence
- The feeling that something isn’t quite right
- Life transitions (new baby, relocation, retirement)
Some people attend counselling as regular maintenance for their mental health, just as people visit the gym for their physical health.
Myth: Will my counsellor judge me?
Reality: No. A counsellor will never judge you. We have chosen this career to support people who are experiencing difficult times and we always seek to view your situation through your own lens. Often, counsellors will have been on their own journeys so we know what it’s like to struggle. We seek to support you, always.
Myth: Will my counsellor tell me what to do?
Reality: No. Counsellors don’t give advice. A counsellor’s role is to listen. A counsellor will support you to identify, explore and understand your thoughts and feelings, identify unhelpful thinking patterns, gain clarity and help you move forward to realise your goals.
Myth: Isn’t it only weak people who seek counselling?
Reality: No. Actually, the opposite is true! It takes courage and strength, from making that first contact to bringing and exploring the issues that have brought you there.
Myth: Will there be homework?
Reality: No. My approach does not include homework. Instead, you are encouraged to think about the session, what has come up for you and its impact on your thoughts, feelings and actions.
Myth: Will everyone know I’m seeing a counsellor?
Reality: Only if you tell them! Counselling is confidential. There are only a few exceptions to this rule, explained during contracting and there for safeguarding purposes. Your counsellor is ethically bound to keep your personal information secure and even in professional conversations with their supervisor, all your details will be anonymised.
Myth: Doesn’t therapy take years?
Reality: Not necessarily. We will talk through timescales in our first session and check in regularly. Eliciting meaningful change sometimes requires deeper exploration and time to process, but everyone is unique. Pace and duration are set entirely by you.