Counselling - What & Why?

In our daily lives, it often happens that the response to “You should see a Counsellor” or “You should go for Counselling” is a curt and prompt “I am not a mental patient”.

Sound familiar?

Now the real questions to consider are: What is Counselling? Is Counselling only for those who have mental illness?

Claim as we may, but we can not refute the fact that we do not know the answers to these questions for sure.

So what is this thing called Counselling?

American Psychological Association (APA) defines Counselling as professional assistance in coping with personal problems, including emotional, behavioural, vocational, marital, educational, rehabilitation, and life-stage (e.g., retirement) problems. The counsellor makes use of such techniques as active listening, guidance, advice, discussion, clarification, and the administration of tests.

According to the American Counseling Association (ACA), counsellors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behaviour change and optimal mental health.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) explains - “Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their wellbeing.”

The general idea, as depicted by the above definitions, would be that Counselling is a process in which a person talks about their problems, regardless of its type, and receives guidance through open and non-judgemental discussion along with the prospect of improved coping skills, self-image and self-esteem.

Now one may ask, ‘Why would anyone need it?’

We may scream at the top of our lungs that we have friends and family who are open-minded and ever-supportive, who understand us unlike anyone else in the whole wide world but deep within us, we always fear being judged, misunderstood and seen in a different light, no matter how our friends and family really are.

To unload our fears and insecurities, deeply hidden emotions, troubled experiences and being able to discuss our dreams and ambitions. These are some of the things we tend to be wary about.

A Counsellor is a professional who does just that. Lending you the time and patience, the understanding and non-judgemental approach, the open-minded and confidential space, actively listening and providing you new perspectives to see your problems or troubles in a new light and helping you to overcome them with support and guidance.

The specific areas Counselling can help you with include (but not limited to):

● Addictions or substance abuse

● Mental health issues - anxiety, depression, eating disorders, phobia, etc.

● Trauma or abuse

● Relationship issues - couple, family, marital.

● Grief

● Career

● Other issues - stress, anger, low self-esteem, etc.

But before any of us start, there are things we all should know about and be aware of.

Firstly, you might have noticed the terms “professional” and “trained”. They signify a very important aspect of Counselling or Psychotherapy.

Not just anyone or everyone can be a Counsellor and provide Counselling. There are certain qualifications and training that are absolutely, without any exception, mandatory for a person to be a professional Counsellor.

Secondly, Clients are active participants in the counselling process at every stage. So don’t be afraid to ask the counsellor questions.

Mind you, a Counsellor is not there to sit you down and tell you what to do. Not at all. Instead, they will encourage you to talk about what's bothering you and identify your specific ways of thinking. They may then look to create a plan of action to either help you resolve your issues, or help you to find ways of coping.

Lastly, Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists are not Doctors. They do not prescribe medications. They may refer you to Doctors if they understand that there is a need for medical intervention.

It is important to remember that Counselling is, more often, a choice that can lead you to a better life through emotional and psychological well being.

Counselling is not a quick fix that can resolve your problem in a single session.

Rather, it is a process that needs time and effort and a sense of trust between you and your counsellor for the process to be effective and successful.

Let's stay healthy, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well!

~Mrinmoyee Saha

Counselling Psychologist