Counselling still has a bit of a bad rap and I
would like to debunk a few myths I have heard of late.
Myth 1: Counselling is (very) long
term.
Counselling can be relatively short term – it depends on the issue at
hand. Dealing with a stressful work colleague,
for example, needn’t result in months of counselling. There are different facets to counselling and
one of them is termed psycho-education where information is provided within a
specific context to enable clients to make more knowledgeable decisions, or
better handle similar situations differently in the future.
Myth 2: I have to talk about my past.
This again will depend on the issue at hand, but also on the
counsellor’s training and theoretical model from where they operate. There are theories that focus entirely on the
here and now; and on the other end of the spectrum there are those who find benefit
in resolving the past in order to resolve the present. This is something you can ask when first
making the appointment.
Myth 3: Counselling is very expensive.
The cost of counselling varies depending on the qualification of the
person you seek counselling from.
Psychologists, Registered Counsellors, Social Workers and Lay
Counsellors are able to offer a different level of service and therefore charge
accordingly. As with any profession it
is important to check the health provider’s credentials.
Myth 4: If all I am going to do is
talk, can't I do that with friends?
Absolutely. Discussing pertinent issues with friends
and/or family suggests a steady and reliable support system which is vital to
overall mental health. However, while a
good winge or cry often makes us feel better, if the matter is a more serious
one, this is a temporary fix and may result in us becoming “that person who
always talks about the same thing”.
Counselling involves talking, but it is guided and solution oriented –
where you identify possible solutions
(and therefore consequences) for yourself.
Which is far more empowering
than following a well-meaning friend’s suggestion to put a laxative in your
stressful colleague’s coffee.
