Advocacy, Counselling, Mentoring, Coaching, Youth Services
What is Counselling?
If only there was a simple answer to this question......
Counselling is the safe relationship when a client will be provided with the time and freedom to explore and understand the issues brought into counselling. Counselling is NOT a magic wand or a miracle cure to issues, it is a relationship to assist with clarifying the issues and assist in finding resolutions.

A counsellor’s role is to assist the client in thinking about their issues or problems from a different perspective. The aim of the sessions will be to provide the client with increased awareness of themselves, their situation and the choices open to them. It will also provide a framework for support during painful and difficult times.

The main (basic) steps in counselling (while not concrete) are:

  • To use an assessment based interview to help clarify the problem and identify any underlying issues.
  • To identify options available for the situation and determine the best method of treatment whether it be counselling or intervention from another service.
  • Create an achievable plan with and goal setting strategies
  • Provide support and encouragement until goals are achieved
  • Evaluation and feedback for continued counselling or ending counselling.

REMEMBER every case brings forward different issues and problems, so every case is treated individually. The ‘severity’ of a problem is irrelevant. If something is not right, then, it’s not right. Counselling is warranted whether the issue is trivial or overwhelming. IMPORTANTLY there is no time limit. Remember this is not a quick fix. Counselling is Strength and Solution based.

FAQ

What kind of problems can I talk about?
There is no rule. If something is trivial or not. Common examples of problems are:

  • Personal, School, TAFE, College, University or work issues.
  • Exam and study stress: Out of control, panic attacks, feelings of inadequacy
  • Lack of confidence: Worried about failing, never being good enough, feeling judged
  • Relationship difficulties: Family and friends, colleagues, commitment, jealousy, abuse
  • Family issues: Partners, children, parenting, separation and divorce, homesickness
  • Difficult experiences: Sexual abuse, violent assault, unwanted pregnancy, serious health problems
  • Depression: Feeling isolated, lonely, empty, tearful, unloved, suicidal feelings.
  • Repeated destructive behaviour: Binge eating, self-harming, abusive relationships, alcohol, drugs, addictive behaviours
  • Bereavement: Loss, anger, loneliness, sadness & depression

Does seeing a counsellor mean I am ill?
No! Everyone goes through good and difficult times. Sometimes we can be feeling so low that we feel we have a mental illness. As it means is we have an issue we need help dealing with. Mental Health is the ability to cope with life’s challenges, sometimes we can suffer set back which can make it difficult to cope with challenge. This is just called Mental Ill-Health. Mental Illness is a term used to describe medically diagnosable conditions possibly requiring intervention.

What do I have to say in counselling?
It doesn't really matter how you present your issue. You can share or say whatever you like. Sometimes there will be silence. You may find yourself sharing information you had not expected to share. The counsellor will help you explore the matter and will keep reflecting and paraphrasing to you to clarify their understanding.

Will the counsellor give me advice?
It is not ethical for a counsellor to give advice. Giving a client advice is passing on opinions, the purpose of the counselling relationship is to help the client make their own decisions. They will never make judgement on the course of action you want to take. Counsellor will sum up the conversations to gain understanding and use the information to help the client take steps forward in forms of action planning/goals. They may offer ideas to help probe the client in stimulating thoughts of solutions.

How Confidential is Counselling?
Please see our Confidentiality Statement in our Confidentiality section.
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