If you’re thinking about counselling, you’re probably also thinking about some of the misconceptions that come along with it. Counsellors, like most professions, are not free from some common public pre-conceived notions about what they do and how they do it. Here are some 6 of those myths.
1) Counselling won’t help me, I didn’t have anything “happen” to me.
While counselling is most certainly helpful after a trauma, you don’t need to have experienced one to benefit from counselling. Whether it’s a general low feeling, difficulty navigating stress or anxiety, or just needing an extra ear to talk through a situation, counselling helps a wide range of scenarios.
2) Counselling is expensive and requires a huge time commitment.
Counselling does have a cost associated with it, but the good news is that most benefits providers have at least some coverage to offer. And while working through lengthy or complex situations may require several visits, many challenges can see improvement in just a couple of sessions.
3) Counselling is a magic fix.
Unfortunately, attending counselling without implementing strategies in your day-to-day life is unlikely to get you the results you want. During counselling, you will set goals and strategies that you will then need to incorporate between visits. You truly do get out what you put in – especially when it comes to one-on-one counselling. For many situations, counselling and strategy implementation is enough, but for others counselling plays a complementary role with other tools, like medicine.
4) Talking about my problems is a waste of time.
It’s true that conversation is a big part of counselling, but it’s not the only thing we do! As mentioned above, you will set goals and strategies with your counsellor to try out at home. There are also other approaches that can work well in addition to talking through your challenges.
Sometimes, though, just getting a situation off your chest really can be helpful. Try not to underestimate the power of a second ear to help you work it through.
5) Going to counselling means I’m a failure.
Asking for help is not a sign of failure, it’s a sign of strength. We wouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help for a physical ailment, so why should depression or other emotional challenges be any different? Wanting to better your situation and progress in your life is never something to feel ashamed about.
6) Counselling is only for the bad times.
Counselling can be extremely helpful for goal planning and strategizing for the future, no matter your current circumstance. Whether you want help planning for a new career, or taking an exciting step in your life, or as proactive maintenance for a life event, counselling can help set you up for success. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to benefit from counselling.
Of course, we are here to answer any additional questions you may have about Counselling Services Calgary. Let us know what’s on your mind!