▶ Can I claim for your services?
▶ Why come to counselling?
Friends and family have their limitations.
We all use family and friends for support. However, there are times when you might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss certain issues with them, when you might feel like they see things differently from the way you do or when they might be part of the problem that you are having.
Relationships need work, they are important to all of us.
We all seek to have happy fulfilling relationships with the people in our lives. At times you may develop concerns about parts of your relationships and are worried about how things are going. Sometimes you just want to make things better and strengthen the ties you share with people.
From time to time we don’t feel like life is plain sailing.
We all experience the ups and downs of life. Addressing a difficult problem or a painful emotion can be hard work on your own.
Recurring issues or problems perplex us.
We have all said "why do I keep doing this?" in relation to some problem. Often important issues can stump us and as a result they remain unresolved and we find ourselves repeating behaviours that make us unhappy.
We need to develop particular skills.
Life presents many challenges and we are constantly having to adapt. This can be difficult to develop on your own. Personal development ensures you have the skills to meet these challenges.
We can’t see the forest for the trees.
Sometimes the more and more we stare at something the less and less we see and understand; it all becomes blurred and confusing. When you attempt to struggle with it on your own, you rely solely on your own perspective and problem solving with all its associated blind spots.
We need to understand ourselves better.
The expression "the tip of the iceberg" is similar to people and their personalities, that is, large parts or ourselves are usually hidden, and we are unaware of them and the impact that they have on our lives. People make positive progress as they understand themselves better.
▶ Are sessions confidential?
▶ When do I seek help?
▶ How does couples counselling work?
One of my areas of specialisation, is working with couples. When couples seek help, it can be to resolve problems that may be either short term or ongoing. Their intention being to make their relationships better.
Usually a couple would be seen together. Sometimes, however, one member of the couple may wish to have assistance individually with these issues and that too is beneficial to the relationship.
▶ What’s it going to be like?
▶ How effective is psychotherapy and counselling?
The effectiveness of psychotherapy has been documented by many scientific studies, putting it among the most tested and validated of health interventions. A study of 15,000 clients treated with a range of psychotherapy methods showed treatments to be highly effective in helping individuals, couples and families resolve their various difficulties and achieve their treatment goals. Of significance there is convincing evidence that effective therapy has a beneficial impact upon the immune system and even on the health of family members. Clients undertaking regular therapy can expect to begin feeling better fairly rapidly and to gain substantial relief from their symptoms.
References: Howard, K & O'Mahoney, M. How much outpatient psychology is enough?
Behavioural Healthcare Tomorrow. 1996, June. Lebow, J. New Science for
Psychotherapy, Networker, 1997, March/April Lipsey, M & Wilson, D. The efficacy of psychological, educational and behavioural treatment, American Psychologist. 1993, 48:1181-1209. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney.