Counselling Myths

When it comes to physical health, visiting a doctor is a no-brainer. But what about mental health and emotional wellbeing? Many people feel anxious, embarrassed, or even ashamed about seeking help from a counsellor. But why?

In addition to the stigma that comes with acknowledging that you might need assistance with your mental health, there is a lot of false information about the kind of people who seek counselling and the duties and responsibilities of counsellors.

Here are a few counselling myths:

1. Counselling is simply discussing your childhood. Although talking about the past can be a part of counselling, the main focus is on your present problems and objectives.

2. Asking for assistance is a sign of weakness, but in reality, it shows strength and self-awareness. It takes courage to admit when you need help.

3. Family members and friends can offer the same assistance: Although it's crucial to have a support system, counsellors are trained professionals who provide an unbiased and confidential space to unpack your challenges/issues.

4. Counsellors will give you advice: Direct advice is not what counsellors offer. Rather, they assist you in exploring your feelings and thoughts in order to come up with solutions on your own. We might provide resources to help you along the way.

5. Only those with severe mental health problems should seek counselling: Many people think that in order to seek counselling, you must be dealing with a serious issue, however it may help with a variety of problems, such as stress, relationship challenges, and personal development.

6. Counsellors have resolved all of their personal problems: There is a widespread misperception that counsellors lead ideal lives and never face difficulties of their own. In actuality, counsellors are also people, and they experience difficulties of their own. Although their training enables them to handle many problems, it does not make them immune to life's challenges.

7. You have to lie on a couch: The majority of counselling sessions do not fit this movie satire. Sessions usually involve sitting in chairs, with many counselling sessions now carried out online.

8. Counselling is simply talking and doesn't result in actual change: Although talking is an important aspect of therapy, it also entails learning techniques and skills to deal with problems and improve your life. Different modalities may also be implemented in sessions depending on the client and their presenting challenge/issue/s which may then involve talking therapy alongside art therapy/dance therapy/emotion focused therapy.

   
   
   
   

   The list is almost endless when considering counselling myths. While counsellors are not perfect people, their training and own life experiences have allowed them to be authentic and empathetic in sessions. Counsellors are aware of body language, tone of voice, pace of talking as well as the content shared in the space, inquiring about these - allowing the client to be seen and heard, and if required - equipping clients with tools through appropriate modalities.