Counselling is where a qualified therapist assists people to resolve personal or psychological problems through talk-based, and sometimes solution-based therapy.
This is known as “talk therapy”. It involves discussion with your therapist to explore and work through your issues, eventually coming to your own resolutions.
It is a short-term conscious level treatment that places emphasis on a specific symptom or immediate issues.
–
Counselling helps patients identify, define, and work through emotional, social, or educational issues they may be struggling with.
They help people improve their mental health, manage self-care, resolve conflict and work through stressful situations. They do this though effective communication, reflection, listening skills and education on strategies that will help them overcome their issue.
–
There are many issues counsellors can help you with:
- anger management
- grief and loss
- alcohol or drug addiction
- dealing with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia
- relationship counselling
- family therapy
- financial counselling
- rehabilitation counselling for people with a disability, health condition or social disadvantage
- school counselling
- veterans counselling (ie Open Arms)
- counselling for older people
- counselling for children, teenagers and young adults (for example, by Kids Helpline)
- carers’ counselling
–
Many counsellors specialise in one issue and are great at it, while others may be able to help with a wide range of problems.
Some offer a range of approaches, while others stick to one approach perhaps like psychologists.
Meet with them to see if they are the right fit for you.
–
Registered Counsellors are required to be able to perform significant in depth therapeutic work with their clients using various therapeutic approaches—including focused psychological strategies. These skills must be taught and assessed beyond the realms of theory- ie, be evidence-based.
Exert from ACA (https://www.theaca.net.au/careers-and-study.php)
–
It is a good idea to check that any counsellor you want to see is registered with a professional body like the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
–
Fees vary depending on the counsellor and the number of sessions you need. Medicare does not cover counselling unless it is carried out by an allied health practitioner such as a psychologist under a mental health care plan, or done by a doctor such as a GP or psychologist. Some private health funds may cover a portion of the fees of seeing counsellors.
–
If you would like to talk to us about how we can support you, then please contact us to book your appointment today!
