Counselling- Myth busters
- Apr 8, 2017
- 2 min read
When people find out I studied psychology in uni, the next question usually is “can you read my mind?” Or “Are you always analysing what people are saying?” I chuckle now but initially I was so surprised by this skewed perspective (slightly hysterical when you think about it). So here are some myth busters
A counsellor can’t read your mind (I can hear some groans and cheers). It’s a good thing- you get to share as much as you are comfortable. Your counsellor (in my perspective) then works with you as you consider where your life is at and where you want it to go.
You are the expert of your own life, you know the ins and outs of your life. Sometimes though, you and I are too close to the canvas of our lives so we need someone who is external yet about our success- that’s where a counsellor comes in.
Counselling isn’t a last resort option. I’ve had people tell me that they’d consider counselling only if they were in serious trouble. So they wouldn’t go to counselling even if they are really stressed out at work because they haven’t yet had a break down. Or that they haven’t really talked to their partner in weeks but at least they aren’t considering divorce. Or that they have no patience for their kids but at least they haven’t walked out. In all these situations I think ‘Good on you for hanging in there’ but I also wonder ‘wouldn’t it be better to get some support now?’ ‘do you really want to do this alone’ ‘do you want to wait in the emergency department or rather have it bandaged now?’
Take a lesson from our bodies. None of us would like to think of our health only when we get to the point of needing serious surgery. We would rather take steps that look at our diet or get us exercising. To me counselling is just that- it is a gym for the soul. It helps us assess our thoughts, emotions- and then strengthens them so that we are better off in the long run.
Sneha is an accredited counsellor based in Sydney, working near the Sydney CBD and eastern suburbs. She has a passion for seeing people be all that they can be in their current situation- be it relationships, family dynamics and careers. If you would like to partner with a counsellor, please get in touch with us at hello@bridgecounselling.com.au
Photo credit: Sasha Freemind
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