What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a form of talk therapy where you meet a trained counsellor to talk about personal issues, mental health difficulties and life challenges in a safe and confidential environment that aims to promote and improve mental health and wellbeing.

Counsellors And Counselling

Counsellors are professionally qualified practitioners who provide counselling sessions to people who want mental health support and help with personal issues.

What Is A Counsellor?

A trained professional counsellor offers counselling sessions to people dealing with anxiety, stress, relationship problems and other personal challenges. they often belong to a professional body such as the Australian Counselling Association and commits to ongoing training.

What Is Professional Counselling?

Professional counselling is a confidential collaboration where you and a counsellor are active participants. Together you explore options, develop strategies and resolve identified concerns, rather than simply receive advice.

How Counselling Helps

Counselling can help with many different types of concerns and can be useful whether your difficulties are recent or long standing.

Benefits Of Counselling

Counselling can help you reduce anxiety and stress, improve relationships and build self awareness so you feel less alone and more confident making decisions.

What Problems Can Counselling Help With?

Counselling can help with mental health conditions such as depression and other forms of mental illness, grief and loss, domestic violence, family conflict and workplace stress.

How Counselling Works In Practice

In practice, counselling is a structured process that usually involves regular sessions, clear goals and an agreed way of working together.

The Counselling Process

The counselling process usually begins with a first counselling session where you talk about why you seek counselling, how you feel and what you hope to change. Your counsellor listens, asks questions and starts to understand your concerns so you can agree on simple goals or a basic treatment plan.

What Sort Of Treatment Does A Counsellor Provide?

Depending on their training, a counsellor may use different types of therapy and practical strategies to help you cope with and deal with what is happening now.

Is Counselling Confidential?

In Australia, counselling is generally confidential. What you say in a counselling session is private, except where there is a legal requirement to act, such as immediate danger. Your counsellor should explain confidentiality clearly in the first session.

Practical Considerations

Here are some practical points to think about before you begin counselling.

How Much Does Counselling Cost?

Counselling fees vary between services and counsellors. Costs usually reflect training, experience and the type of services offered, so it is appropriate to ask about fees and payment options before you decide to seek counselling.

Can Counselling Be Done Online?

Yes. Many counsellors provide counselling online as well as in person across Australia. In an online counselling session you still talk with a qualified counsellor and work toward goals.

Do I Need A Counsellor?

You might consider seeking counselling if stress or anxiety affect daily life, if personal issues keep returning, or if talking with friends or family members is no longer enough.

Choosing A Counsellor

It is worth taking some time to choose a counsellor who feels like a good fit for you.

What Type Of Counsellor Is Right For Me?

There are many different types of counsellors and services. Some focus on a particular area, such as relationship work, trauma or family practice, while others work broadly with mental health and wellbeing.

Skills And Qualifications To Look For

Look for a professionally qualified counsellor with formal training in counselling or psychotherapy, membership of a recognised professional body and ongoing professional development.

How Can I Find A Counsellor?

You can find counsellors through professional body websites such as the Australian Counselling Association or by searching for counselling services near where you live or work.

Is My Counsellor A Good Fit For Me?

A good fit means you feel heard, safe and respected. Over the first few sessions, notice whether you feel comfortable talking and whether the counsellor’s strategies make sense; if not, it is reasonable to consider a different counsellor.

Other Professionals Who Provide Counselling

Counselling and therapy are also provided by psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses and therapists, and may offer different types of treatment.

Resources And Support

If you are struggling, support is available. If there is immediate danger, call 000. For mental health support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

How Long Does Counselling Take?

Some clients attend counselling for a few sessions, while others stay longer to work through deeper concerns. The length of counselling depends on your goals and the nature of your concerns.

What If I Am Nervous About My First Session?

It is very common to feel nervous before a first session. Your counsellor understands this and will guide the process so you can talk about what feels most important.

Can I Stop Counselling If It Does Not Suit Me?

Yes. You can pause or stop counselling at any time. It can help to discuss this in a session so you can review what support you may want next.

If you are ready to talk, you can book a counselling session or contact our practice for more information. Taking this step is often the start of feeling more supported and less alone with your concerns.