Does Going for Counselling Make You Uneasy?

Do you find yourself questioning whether counselling can really help you?  Or perhaps you’re thinking that if you can’t help yourself you must be really “messed up.”  For starters, go easy on yourself and remember that you’re not alone.

I often hear from clients about how hard it was for them to reach out. “I was really nervous coming here,” one person said, “but I feel much better now.  I actually enjoyed our session more than I thought I would, and I feel more hopeful now.”  This is, thankfully, is a common reaction.

A common concern is opening up about challenges and your personal life.  That’s understandable because this can be scary.   People sometimes don’t have the experience of knowing what it’s like to have unconditional, nonjudgmental support.  But that’s what happens in a healthy therapeutic environment: you’re not judged.

Another barrier I’ve heard many times is that clients have had painful or disappointing experiences with a counsellor or someone who lacked the skill or professional boundaries necessary for effective therapy.  This can make it hard for a client to reach out and trust again. Know that there are many skilled and caring counsellors who can offer you the support you need. Don’t give up on yourself because a counsellor or therapist failed to meet your needs.

I’ll speak more on this subject in my next post. In the meantime, please contact me if you have any questions or would like to have a free consult.