Adults

SERVICES FOR ADULTS

Reasons Why People Seek Counselling

There are many reasons why adults decide to come in for counselling;

• It may be that anxiety has begun to run their life and keep them from doing things they want and need to do.
• Depression in its various forms is another reason why a person might decide to seek counselling.
• It may be that life seems to have lost all joy, that getting up and doing the things you need to do every day has become increasingly difficult, despite being in apparent good health.
• People may seek counselling when they have experienced a loss. It could be the death of someone close to them, or other kinds of loss, such as the loss of a job or the loss of a relationship.
• Other life transitions – changing jobs, moving, changing other aspects of self or identity – can also create a need for counselling.
• Sometimes, it is the things that happened many years ago that are bothering us most, and that are disrupting our lives and our ability to cope with the demands placed upon us.

Counselling Sessions are like snowflakes – No two sessions are exactly alike

The Relationship –

• Whatever the reason, it is important that counselling is tailored to meet each individual’s needs. One of the most important aspects of counselling is the relationship between you and your therapist. She or he should be someone you trust, feel comfortable with and have confidence in their ability to help you. Many years ago, a famous psychologist named Carl Rogers stated that we need respect, acceptance and unconditional positive regard from our therapist, if it is to be a helpful relationship. Research has also shown that regardless of the type of therapy – the specific strategies used – a strong, positive relationship was a good indicator of beneficial outcomes. That means that if you and your therapist have a good working relationship, you agree on the goals for therapy, and agree on how to achieve those goals, it is much more likely that you will benefit from therapy, and experience positive changes in your life.

Where are we going and how will we get there?

• When you come to see me for therapy, it is important to me that you feel respected for who you are, accepted as you are, and that my regard for you are positive and unconditional. Together, we will decide on the goals of your therapy, relying on my expertise as a psychologist and your expertise in being you! Your therapy experience may be similar to what someone else receives, but will be individually tailored for you.
• I use CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, as one of my main approaches, but I don’t rely on that alone. Creating therapeutic experiences – ones that will help you change your way of being in the world – through the use of imagination, relaxation, and visualization may be used. Sometimes it is important to make connections between our physical body and the sensations we are having, and our emotions and thoughts. For individuals who have experienced traumatic things – whether those experiences occurred long ago or more recently – CBT-based trauma therapy, and/or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, you can find more information here: https://emdria.omeka.net) may be employed.
• Whatever strategies or techniques are used, you always have a choice. You may always decline to try a particular technique or stop the process if it is creating difficulties, distress or discomfort for you, without fear of reprisal. While it is true that therapy is not often “fun,” and that part of the process may involve re-experiencing negative emotions on the path to change, you have the right to choose how much, if any, discomfort you experience in therapy.