You may consider making a counselling appointment when:

  ➨  you find that support from friends and family just isn’t enough, or the problem is too difficult or personal to discuss with friends and family.  You may feel that no one understands what you are going through or worry what others might think if they knew what was upsetting you. 

  ➨  you have tried to handle things on your own but the problem still persists. Counselling offers a unique opportunity to explore new coping strategies and resources available to you to help you find effective solutions to whatever is troubling you.

  ➨  you have experienced a traumatic event like an unexpected or sudden loss and you can’t stop thinking about it.  You may wonder ‘if only I had…’ or, you may even blame yourself for what has happened.  Finding a supportive person to talk to will help make grief feel less overwhelming.      

What can I expect if I go to counselling?

A registered, professionally trained counsellor...

  …is a supportive, objective person you can talk to about whatever thoughts and feelings you are experiencing

  …listens without judgment or criticism.

  …provides information about what you might expect and what might help with your concerns.

  …will work collaboratively with you to develop coping strategies for your unique situation,  that fit with who you are.

  …will help you clarify your concerns and tap into personal strengths and resources that might be currently overlooked.

  …may help you explore things that have happened in your past that might be interfering with your current situation.

  …may help you find ways to express your feelings and understand where they are coming from.

  …will make assessments for things like depression and suicide risk in order to provide further referrals, if needed.

  …directs you to other resources available to you.

What prevents people from seeking help? 

  Of course,  counselling is not the only way to seek help.  Having said that,  many of the reasons that people use to avoid making a counselling appointment are simply incorrect beliefs or assumptions.  Here are a few that I have heard:

Societal beliefs

It is better to put up a “brave front” rather than show your true feelings. How often have you said “I’m fine” when someone asks how you are doing, even when things are not fine?

Only people with really serious problems need to go to counselling.

Personal beliefs

I can handle this on my own.  I’ll get help if I need it.

I don’t want to keep talking about it- it will just make me cry.

Counselling is great for other people,  it’s just not for me.

I wouldn’t want my friends or coworkers to know that I went to counselling.

I don’t have time for counselling right now.

  Be honest with yourself in determining whether your reason for not going to counselling is a valid one.  If you are not receiving the support you need from your circle of family or friends, and you choose not to seek help from other sources, you are the person that loses out.