What To Expect
Starting counselling can be difficult and feel intimidating. There could be multiple obstacles in your way. Maybe you’ve never been to counselling and don’t know what to expect. Maybe you have had a bad counselling experience and fear trying to connect to someone new. Maybe you think your problem isn't serious enough or you've reached the point where you believe there is no hope and no one can help you.
Perhaps your fear comes from a deep place of pain/trauma and you have tried for years to contain it and push through on your own, but no matter how hard you try, it continues to impact you. You desperately want to be free, but you are afraid of what you'll feel...of what you'll remember...of facing it head on.
Regardless of what holds you back, I encourage you to take that first step and book an appointment. Nothing will ever change if you don't step out and try something new. Our sessions together will include building relationship with one another, developing self-awareness, expanding coping skills and hopefully in the process, healing from past hurts.
Building Relationship
One of the most important parts of counselling is having a good relationship with your counsellor. If you don't feel connected then it is going to be very difficult to open up and work through some of the issues you are facing. My goal in our first session is to see if we are a good fit for one another, and if we are not, then that's okay! You should feel comfortable, validated, understood and supported.
Developing Self-Awareness
Once you feel comfortable we will then work together to understand how your past history has influenced the challenge you currently face and we will establish achievable goals for moving forward.
Deeper Healing
If there is sufficient time and you are at a safe emotional, mental and physical place in your life, we will work on healing from past hurts, trauma and abuse. This is crucial for continuing your growth into the person you want to be and for experiencing continued freedom. Note that not everyone is ready for this stage and we will decide together is this is where we need to go.
Expanding Coping Skills
Coping skills are a vital component to facing your challenge. Just like a hiker conditions his body through exercise and self care (nutrition, rest, relaxation etc) to make the climb easier, so must you condition yourself with skills that will help you manage your situation. When we can apply practical tools to our day to day life, it is amazing how you will notice an overall improvement.
