What is Counselling?

• Counselling is an active process in which you are assisted to understand more fully the difficulties you are experiencing.
• It is a chance to talk freely and in confidence with a supportive, impartial and non-judgemental professional.
• Confidentiality is important. Anything you say to your psychologist will not be disclosed except if you indicate risk of harm to yourself or to somebody else. Then your psychologist may be professionally obliged to inform others.
• Sharing troubles, exploring options, discussing strategies, developing a plan, building supports, eliciting clarity and encouraging strength are some of the functions of counselling.
• Your decisions, culture, religious beliefs and personal values will be respected.
• Counselling may be short or long-term. It can involve dealing with highly emotive issues or breaking long-standing patterns of behaviour. It can be hard work and may require a number of visits.
• Since counselling is a very personal experience you are encouraged to let your psychologist know if you don't feel comfortable for any reason. Together the issue may be resolved or a referral to another counselor arranged.