Why get counselling?

Human beings are designed to be social. We often enjoy life with other people including friends and family members and people in the groups we’re involved in such as sporting groups or Church. We also often turn to other people when we’re going through tough times, and while talking to family and friends about your concerns is often a good idea, sometimes this isn’t ideal or even possible.

Why speak to a counsellor? Why not just talk to my friends or family?

Depending on what’s bothering us we can feel that our friends or family won’t understand as they know and love the person we might need to vent about (ie when having relationship difficulties) or they “won’t be able to handle” what we need to debrief about (ie traumatic events in our lives). Sometimes we think they are too busy with their own lives or there isn’t anyone around who can help – perhaps our main support is no longer available, such as if they have moved away or died, or they may be unable to support us as they have their own challenges they’re dealing with. Sadly sometimes the people closest to us aren’t very good listeners and we might find them too “bossy” or they just don’t seem to have the ability or desire to listen or help.

This is where counselling can help.

How is counselling different?

Counselling gives us the opportunity to talk to someone who can be objective – who doesn’t take sides but can clearly see the bigger picture and help us to see where we might be contributing to issues and therefore what we can do to improve the situation.

Unlike family and friends, accredited counsellors are required to:

• have extensive training and experience in working in mental health and
• engage in ongoing professional development.

Therefore, speaking to an accredited counsellor is also different to talking to family or friends as:

• our recommendations and strategies are evidence-based, and not based on our own opinion and
• we may be aware of other relevant supports that “the average person” might not be aware of.

Why should I see you?

I have extensive experience in helping clients with a variety of concerns, so you don’t need to worry about “upsetting” or “offending” me by talking openly about relationship issues, traumatic events or whatever your particular concern is.

You can also feel assured that as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker I use evidence-based techniques and practices, and as a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers I abide by their Code of Ethics.

Even though counselling addresses serious concerns, I enjoy my work and where appropriate I like to bring some humour into therapy to make clients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Please contact me to book an appointment or to arrange a free, no-obligation phone consultation to discuss if this service might be right for you.