The Typical Counselling Room A Safe Place To Talk

Seeing a qualified counsellor for the first time without knowing what to expect can make us a little nervous. Lack of knowledge can also lead to misconceptions about counsellors, leading some to shun the counselling room for fear of judgement, or for concerns about breaches of confidentiality.

What do trained counsellors do, what happens in the counselling room and why we might need to see a counsellor?

Trained counsellors provide a safe and caring environment making the counselling session a private and quiet place to talk, to be heard and allow yourself to explore. During the session there’s freedom to open up about the typically inappropriate things we wouldn’t tell our family or friends. Confidentiality is discussed prior to commencement of the therapy session as typical appointments begin with the counsellor informing the client on what to expect, making sure the client understands. Then the next step is for the client to give written consent before therapy can commence.

What is counselling?

Counselling in a nutshell is talk therapy. The counsellor provides support by; listening respectfully and objectively, understanding the experiences, identifying underlying issues, choosing the correct treatment method and by teaching coping strategies that are both beneficial and relevant to the client.

Do we have to have a mental illness to see a counsellor?

We don’t have to have a mental illness to receive counselling. People attend counselling sessions for various reasons.  Some seek counselling for their personal growth, particularly when they’ve become stuck and are unable to move forward beyond certain points in their lives. Others might be battling their addictions. Counselling allows the individual to gain a deeper understanding of what is going on within themselves and around them. Children and teenagers benefit from seeing a counsellor with the various issues affecting our growing youth. Some issues affecting our kids are; bullying and harassment, peer pressure, depression and anxiety, parenting, drug use, sexual identity, school work-load and more.

We might want to seek the help of a professional counsellor for any of the following reasons
 (and for many others not listed)

1. The information we need to unload is not something we’d trust someone else with or when it would be inappropriate to discuss with a colleague or friend.
2. Children and teens mental health/Parenting
3. Eating disorders/body image issues
4. Social Isolation
5. Depression and Anxiety
6. Emotional support
7. Dealing with the past
8. Relationships/Family problems
9. Employment/Unemployment issues
10. Motivation
11. Mental illness
12. Suicidal thoughts (seek help urgently – talk to you doctor – stay safe)
13. We are thinking about hurting another individual
14. Grief and bereavement – Significant loss of any kind. The loss of a loved one or loss of job for example.
15. Managing life transitions and challenges
16. Anger management
17. Personal growth
18. Bullying of any kind
19. Sexual harassment
20. Domestic violence/ Violence of any kind
21. Mental Abuse/Control/ Elder Abuse
22. Sexual Abuse
23. Sexual Identity/Gender Dysphoria
24. Trauma
25. Body Dysmorphia

Trained Christian Counsellors 

Those who seek counselling help have recognised there is a problem and have mustered the courage to seek help. Trained Christian counsellors believe people are the pinnacle of creation made in the image of God, therefore believe that all people need to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their beliefs or of the values they hold. Professional Christian counsellors are also trained not to impose their faith on others treating everyone the same. We don’t necessarily have to be a Christian to see one. In the past we may have been to see a Christian counsellor without knowing it. However, trained Christian counsellors often use their skills in school chaplaincy roles, in their ministry and in pastoral care roles within their church to support members of the congregation and local community. Trained counsellors often have a sound knowledge of ethical guidelines, with a clear understanding of personal and legal boundaries.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred.Dip. Couns. (Christian)

Search for a Christian Counsellor here:  Christians Counsellors Association of Australia.