Finding an effective Counsellor
Whether this is the first time you have considered counselling or you have worked with a counsellor before it is wise to review what the process is about. People seek out counselling for many reasons. Sometimes the reasons are very clear. There is a specific issue they need to address. Other times the reasons are less clear; a counsellor can assist them clarifying what is going on in their life and focus on a direction to move forward. Life can be complicated and no one is born with a manual on how to live life fully. Many people mistakenly believe that when one seeks therapy they do so because they cannot handle their problems or there is something wrong with them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rather than struggle along or just surviving many people are seeking professional input to make the most of their life.
Finding a therapist involves some exploration. I always invite prospective clients to ask questions. You want to be reasonably sure the therapist has the skills to help you and there is a good“fit.” Focus on whether you can trust the therapist to be honest with you. Your therapist must be compassionate and have a sincere desire for you to achieve your goals. Do not immediately dismiss a therapist because you do not understand or agree with their suggestions. You may hear things from your therapist that you do not like. This does not mean your therapist is not doing their job, maybe just the opposite. Your therapist may be challenging you to look at the very thing that is causing you difficulty. Most clients who seek out a therapist have tried unsuccessfully to deal with the issue. An effective therapist is not likely to recommend a strategy you have already tried.
No therapist can guarantee success in therapy. There needs to be a team approach. Talk to your therapist if you feel that you are not making progress. Be open. Your therapist has probably heard worse; withholding relevant information can limit the effectiveness of any therapist. The length of time a person is in therapy varies widely. Some clients can see progress within the first session. Other clients may require more. Sometimes a client may take a break from therapy for any number of reasons. Talk to your therapist if you believe you are not making progress.
Online counselling has its strengths and weaknesses. It is convenient, and necessary for individuals with mobility issues or restricted by family commitments. Online therapy is not recommended for individuals who are suicidal or requiring extra support. Online counselling can be limited by the quality of Internet service. Having a good Internet connection, web camera, microphone and speakers is essential.
Online counselling can be less expensive. Because I have less overhead I am able to pass the savings on to clients. To reduce costs clients must be willing to pay for their session before their session.
Having a good Internet connection and provider is vital. Sometimes privacy is an issue, as you do not have access to a place for private discussions.
Limits to Counselling
Information revealed in the counselling session is confidential and cannot be revealed to someone unless you in writing authorize the therapist to do so. There are exceptions though. If you become a threat to yourself or others a therapist will do what is necessary to protect you and anyone who might get hurt. A therapist could be ordered by the court to reveal the contents of your file. This is extremely rare. Sometimes this happens in divorce cases and criminal investigations. Your privacy is very important and taken very seriously by me. Please do not hesitate to discuss with me any concerns or questions you may have.