When To Stop Talking To The Dog & Get Counselling

Taking care of pets can be therapeutic, but in no way should that replace the need to open up to someone about our problems.

As a child I felt a great sense of relief after talking to my dog about my woes.  He was a great listener.  He didn’t answer back, he didn’t judge me, he didn’t tell anyone else and I felt safe to let it all out.

Years later when the same issues resurfaced out of the blue, I talked to pastoral care about it. Eventually I made an appointment with a counsellor, finding a huge difference in the way the trained counsellor listened. Her responses to the issues presented in the counselling session brought about a sense of relief that someone finally understood what I was going through.

WE REALLY DO NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE

We all carry psychological or emotional burdens that can become too heavy to carry.  Trusting someone can help to make sense of our situation, thus giving us hope for a better day.  Opening up about our past helps us to deal with it in the present. It takes courage.

Good mental health is vital to our quality of life.  God wants us to share our burdens with one another to fulfil the law of Christ.  Read Galatians 6:2

WHAT IS THE LAW OF CHRIST? 

Luke 10:26-28 New International Version (NIV)

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”   He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.”  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

TWO CRITICAL TIMES TO SEE A COUNSELLOR

1. When we depend on drugs, alcohol or other substance abuse to quash down your problems, thoughts or memories we want to forget.  Or if we are considering drug or substance abuse.  Avoiding facing our problems only causes them to resurface. It’s the way our brains are hardwired.
2. When you are experiencing physical, emotional or sexual abuse.  This is unacceptable behaviour that should not be tolerated from anyone as it can cause physiological and psychological harm to the person on the receiving end.  It is also illegal. Call the authorities, particularly if your life is in danger. Dial 000.

Sometimes we need ongoing counselling.  It’s like trying to lose weight. We come in all different shapes and sizes. Some of us need to be at it for longer to see results.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip.Couns.(Christian)

Read about why some counsellors are opting for Animal assisted therapy.

Sources

Biblegateway.com

Where to Get Help

Talk to your doctor and see a mental health professional.
Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.
Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about counselling?   It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

–The beginning of each year in February
-Mid-Year courses commence in July

Enrolment Season – opens approximately 2 months prior our courses commencing. Enquire now and fill out the form with your details to receive course information by email.  Enrol online here during our enrolment season.

Those living overseas can study aifc’s courses via our Distance Based Program.
The International  Student Program,  enables those with a student visa to Study On Campus in Sydney.

Note: A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.

Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397