If your car breaks down, you'll take it to a mechanic and get it fixed.
If you break a bone, you'll see a doctor and the bone will be fixed in a splint or cast until it heals.
But if you go to a counselor, do you know what to expect?
Many people are not sure.
Is it just chatting? Do I have to talk about my childhood? Will I be "hypnotized"?
Moreover, what is the "meaning" of psychological counseling?
Regarding psychological counseling, there is still a big blind spot in the public's understanding of it. Let's take a look at a few typical misconceptions.
01
Do I have to "go wrong" before I go to counselling?
No.
It's a big misconception that you have to go through "severe distress" to see a consultation.
Although some counselors are more adept at treating severe mood disorders, such as schizophrenia or clients with suicidal thoughts.
However, most counsellors can help you cope with more routine psychological distress and challenges, such as career changes, improving parenting communication skills, improving stress and emotion management, dealing with marital crises, etc. Just as some doctors specialize in life-threatening illnesses and others specialize in everyday ailments such as colds and coughs, counseling can be available to clients with a variety of needs and goals.
02
What happens during the consultation?
Counseling is the process of talking about and solving problems. In counseling, you describe your current situation, your feelings, and then the counsellor uses their expertise to help you get closer to the life you want.
At the beginning of the session, the counselor will usually invite you to share what is happening in your life, your thoughts, your concerns, or anything else you want to discuss. You can speak freely, the counsellor will listen and may take notes as you speak, and some will take notes after the session. You will not be criticized, interrupted, or judged when you speak. Your conversation will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
It's a special and unique conversation where you can say exactly how you feel and be open and honest without worrying about whose feelings you're hurting, ruining the relationship, or getting punished in any way. It's okay to say whatever you want.
Some counselors may leave some homework in the session, and you can share your progress in the next session and share anything that frustrates, stuck, or is causing you to feel frustrated.
Of course, every counselor is different, and every client is unique, so every counseling relationship is different, so there is no one standardized description that can explain all counseling processes. Some counselors will incorporate dream interpretation into their counseling, some will use music or art therapy, and some will use hypnotherapy, meditation, role-playing, and other exercises.
At the end of the day, regardless of the approach, the counsellor listens without judgment and helps the client better address the challenges he or she is facing.
03
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Not necessarily. Many people think that watching counseling means having to dig into their childhood or talk about how scary their parents are, etc., but this is a misconception. What you talk about during the counseling process depends on your situation and goals.
Depending on your goals, you may not actually talk much about your past, and the focus of the consultation is likely to be on the current reality and expectations for the future.
But actually, if you really don't want to talk about your childhood, it could be a sign that you should talk about it! When people have strong negative feelings about something, it's usually worth digging into the topic and figuring out why you don't want to talk about it.
To a large extent, people's past affects their lives today in some way.
04
How long do I need to be counselled?
Vary. Some visitors made an appointment for a consultation, solved the problem, and did not need follow-up consultation.
Some visits require weeks or months of consultation, focusing on specific topics.
05
Is virtual counseling as effective as face-to-face?
Depends on your own preference.
Online consultation is a more convenient option, and many visitors will prefer to have a consultation via video, so that they don't have to take time out of their busy schedule to drive, park, and just close the door of their bedroom or office to start the consultation, which is very convenient.
Where feasible, it is advisable to try both at once to see which form works better for you.
06
Can't just talk to friends or family?
If you're lucky enough to have family and friends who really care about you and support you, then share your feelings with them, they are an important part of your support network, and their insights and encouragement may be helpful. But acquaintances may not necessarily be completely objective when listening to you.
That's why working with a counsellor is so valuable, it's a unique opportunity to share all your feelings without worrying that no one will interrupt you or tell you "you're wrong" or "you can't be like this."
The consultation process is a space where it is safe to express.
Counselling is a valuable tool that can help you solve problems, set and achieve goals, improve your communication skills, increase your awareness of your emotions, and keep your stress levels at normal.
Consider scheduling one or two sessions to keep an open mind and see how things go. You have little to lose, and it is possible to gain more understanding of yourself, and lasting happiness.
07
How do I choose the right consultant for me?
Choosing a counselor is just like choosing any other service provider, by visiting their introduction page and reading client reviews or testimonials.
Acquaintance recommendation is also a good choice.
If you're looking to address a specific problem, such as dieting, quitting smoking, or changing careers, try finding a counselor who specializes in these areas, and many will list their areas of expertise in their introduction.
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This article is compiled, original link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-grown/201512/what-really-happens-in-therapy-session Author: Suzanne Gelb Compiler: Fangzhou, Birdman Editor: Birdman
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