Considering Counselling or Psychotherapy Services?

Are you on the fence, wondering whether to take that first step?

Feeling engulfed by uncertainty, with multiple questions and concerns flooding your mind?

Uncertain where to even begin?

If so, you are not alone. Many individuals sit with these thoughts for periods of time—spanning weeks, months, or even years, before choosing to arrive at a decision.

Should this resonate, foremost, appreciate that you have your personal considerations. Perhaps it may be helpful to review the potential context and briefly reflect on a possible process that may support your decision-making.

1.     Explore what first prompted the initial thought

-         Allocate some time to recall, observe, and reflect on the context in which the thought of counselling first surfaced, or when presented itself with particular frequency.

-         This may take the form of a specific event, or something more ambiguous, for instance, a gnawing, persistent sensation of unease or dissatisfaction.

-         Identifying and naming this said experience, even in general terms, may facilitate clarity and insight regarding your consideration of counselling or psychotherapy.

-         [Click here to discover who can benefit from counselling | psychotherapy].

2.    Understand the counselling landscape in the nation or area that you reside in

-         Allocate some time to learn about the counselling landscape, available counselling services, and professional standards in your area.

-         Apart from being aware of some of the available counselling modalities [click here to learn more about counselling modalities], learn about other aspects of the counselling industry, including education, training, and professional development.

-         Recognise the difference between legal requirements in relation to the counselling field and other people’s strong opinions [click here to learn more about possible fallacies regarding counselling].

-         Check for supervision: Supervision is a fundamental part of professional practice, supporting ethical standards, ongoing learning, and safe client care.

-         Reflect on what qualities in a counsellor matter most and least to you, for example, culture, lived experiences, nationality, work experiences etc., to facilitate your deliberations.

3.    Reflect on your concerns and consider your priorities 

-         Observe and examine what may be holding you back. Are there fears, uncertainty or emotional pain stemming from stigma, or familial and/or social circle’s stances on mental health and its related services? Acknowledge that these considerations are a natural part of the decision-making process.

-         Next, consider the impact of your current circumstances on your wellbeing, and what may result if the situation remains as it is.

-         In addition, discern your priorities in relation to counselling. Understanding what matters most to you (goals or needs) can guide your decision-making.

-         Remember: Counselling and psychotherapy are processes, and, as such, are usually far from instant or magical solutions.

4.    Make your decision in your own time, while considering your individual circumstances

-         Commence with small, manageable steps. The first step could be as simple as reading and learning about the counselling industry and its services whether through physical resources (including books) and/or digital resources (such as articles),

-         Even small steps are meaningful progress to be acknowledged.

Ultimately, there is is no perfect moment to begin your counselling journey. Hopefully this brief post provides some perspective as you consider your next steps.