What Is The Process Of Counselling?

By Author: Sandra Hanlon
Total Articles: 1
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So you think you need help. You find a counsellor who deals with your issue. You make contact and set up an appointment.

When you come to Celbridge Counselling each session is conducted in a purpose fitted out counselling room at the side of the house. The environment is quiet and portrays a sense of calm and peacefulness.

Each session is conducted in a totally confidential and non judgmental manner. At the first session all you need to know about how the process works is explained. A contract will be signed by the client agreeing to counselling, this also guarantees the confidentiality of the sessions. The only time this may be breached is the immediate threat to a person's life (the client or another person) or the abuse of a child. In these cases the authorities must be informed.

It may surprise a lot of people that a counsellor does not "tell you what to do". The role of counselling is to enable the client to think straighter, to rationalize fears and concerns and ultimately to generate solutions themselves. What the counsellor does it to utilise ...
... various techniques to allow the client to achieve this. It's done through asking questions and listening to the client. A skilled counsellor will ask the right questions and allow the client to "lift the fog" surrounding the issue. Sometimes the counsellor does not feel able or experienced enough to help. In my case I will refer you to a more suitable counsellor. Aside from not wasting your time and money it means you will be recommended a therapist that can help.

Having worked with Pieta House for a number of years, I am very experienced in helping people with suicidal thoughts and self harm thoughts or actions. In the case of a teenager, it is important to include the parent in the therapy before and after sessions. It is not practical or useful to have a parent present during the session as it prevents the client from really opening up.

Other areas of expertise are in helping people with anxiety and/or panic attacks. These can cover a multitude of areas where the anxiety can arise, be it relationships, work, school, health or money issues. Coupled with these issues are also stress and low self esteem. I work well in short term solution focussed therapy and also where therapy is an ongoing process to enable successful results.