The Oxford Dictionary defines counselling as the process of assisting and guiding clients, especially by a trained person on a professional basis, to resolve especially personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties (Oxford, 2010). Counselling is a helping approach that highlights the emotional and intellectual experience of a client, how a client is feeling and what they think about the problem they have sought help for.
The role of the counsellor is to enable the client to explore many aspects of their life and feelings, by talking openly and freely. Talking in such a way it is rarely possible with family or friends, who are likely to be emotionally involved and have opinions and biases that may be detrimental to the success of the counselling.
During a counselling session, a counsellor is required to keep 100% confidentiality. Confidentiality is defined as the state whereby the counsellor keeps every information the clients shares and not disclosures it or shares it with anyone else. Confidentiality can only be broken with five exceptions. These include the client committing or planning to commit suicide, homicide, if the client is abusing a child or an elderly in an institution and lastly, if the client is court mandated.
Some of the problems that get in the way of a client during a counselling session include, unrealistic expectations, lacking motivation, self-sabotage, and when clients are reluctant, especially if the court mandates them.
It is hard for people to determine when they need counselling or even seek support because of the negative stigma associated with going to counselling. Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t have to be “crazy,” desperate or on the brink of a meltdown to go to therapy. You may need counselling if you always feel sad, angry, and not yourself all the time. Abuse drugs, alcohol, and food to cope in life. Someone who have lost a loved one or something important. Lastly, people who have gone through a traumatic experience might need counselling to help them deal with this event.
At C. S Counselling and Consulting Services, we guide our clients through non-judgmental, empathetic strategies to cope with a variety of issues and resume a happy, healthy day-to-day life. Counsellors are registered with their appropriate regulatory boards. Our counsellors specialize in family counselling, couple counselling, marriage counselling, individual counselling, child counselling, and counselling for grief, depression, anxiety, anger and trauma related issues.