Four questions to ask when considering counselling
Four Questions to ask when considering counselling
People often turn to counselling when they are going through a situation in their life which they feel they cannot control alone. In amongst this turmoil, taking the step to find a counsellor can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering counselling, here are four questions it might be helpful to ask yourself to focus your search.
1) What do I want from the experience?
Generally counselling has a better outcome the clearer you are about what you want from it. Focusing on the change or difference you want to feel will also help your potential counsellor assess if they can help you. ‘Feeling better or different’ goes without saying, but can you narrow that a bit further? What feeling don’t you want any more? What situation would you like to see change?
2) How urgent is my need to change or feel different?
You may not be aware of what you wish to change and this can be addressed carefully at your own pace.
3) Do I feel more comfortable seeing a man or a woman or does it not matter? And what about other questions of identity?
There’s no right or wrong here. Depending on the issues in question you may feel more comfortable with a counsellor of the same or opposite gender. Regardless of your choice please note that all counsellors will do their utmost to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your consultations.
4) How committed am I to the process?
Counselling isn’t about someone else giving you the solutions to what’s hard in your life. If you feel ready to deepen your self-awareness, to look at what holds you back and drives you forward, counselling can be very helpful. In general, you get back what you put in. Readiness, willingness, openness and patience can all be very helpful to make this profound investment in yourself worthwhile.
Finding the time and space to reflect on these questions will both help you with choosing a counsellor and when you meet them, will help your potential counsellor to ensure you have made the right choice too.
Please note that all your conversations with a counsellor are strictly confidential.
Visit our counsellors in Watford section for more information