By Leon Chng

Counsellor & Fitness Coach

Hello Dearest Readers!

I guess you are reading because you want to understand what is counselling and what you can expect in a counselling session. Let’s start by looking at the definition of counselling.

Counselling defined

What is counselling? Counselling is talk therapy where a trained profession (Psychologist, Counsellor, or Psychotherapist) listens to you and ask questions to help you untangle the challenges and struggles you are facing in your life.

Counselling can help you cope with:

• a mental health challenge, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder

• an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility, chronic illnesses

• a difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress

• difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger

• other issues, such as sexual identity

Counselling can be conducted in person or via online platform. Counselling can be done as an individual, couple, family, or group.

Counselling is a powerful resource that's available to all of you, and it's important to understand what it's all about. Whether you're dealing with personal challenges, work / academic stress, or just need someone to talk to, counselling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate through tough times.

Elements of Counselling

Let's dive into what counselling is about and how it can benefit anyone.

A Safe Space to Express Yourself

Imagine having a safe and confidential space where you can freely express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without the fear of being judged. That's exactly what counselling offers.

It's a place where you can be open and honest about what's on your mind, and where you can explore your emotions in a supportive environment.

For example, if you're feeling overwhelmed by work or facing challenges in your personal life, a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist can provide a listening ear and help you work through your emotions. They're there to support you and provide a non-judgmental space for you to express yourself.

The purpose? Talking it out helps you process pertinent issues. For example, through this process, there are chances we catch on to our misunderstandings and misinterpretations that have been derived from our experiences we may not have properly thought in-depth about.

Support and Guidance (With positive regard)

Psychologists, Counsellors, and Psychotherapist are trained professionals who are here to support and guide you through your challenges. They can help you gain a better understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, and provide you with coping strategies to manage stress and difficult situations.

For instance, if you're struggling with anxiety before exams or feeling down due to relationship issues, a psychologist, counsellor, or Psychotherapist can offer practical advice and techniques to help you cope with these challenges. Psychologist, Counsellors, and Psychotherapist (As they are trained in mental health) can also guide how to improve your mental well-being and build resilience.

All this being said, you will be viewed with the utmost positive regard albeit when you share a thought-out plan or conclusion that does not seem to endow the most optimal course of action or beliefs, the psychologist, counsellor, or psychotherapist, like a truthful genuine friend, will raise this up for further discussion.

Empowerment and Self-Discovery

Counselling is not about receiving advice; it's about empowering one to make their own decisions and discover their blindspots (this includes one’s underlying strengths!).

Through counselling, all of us can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and develop the skills to overcome challenges and make positive changes in our lives.

For instance, if you're struggling with self-esteem issues or finding it hard to make important decisions you feel are stressing you out due to the high stakes, a psychologist, counsellor, or psychotherapist can help you explore your values, strengths, and goals, empowering you to take control of your life and make confident choices.

A Path to Healing and Growth

Counselling can be a transformative experience that leads to healing and personal growth. It can help you build resilience, improve your mental well-being, and develop the confidence to face life's challenges with a positive mindset.

For example, suppose you're dealing with grief, trauma, or other emotional struggles. In the case of such circumstances, counselling can provide us with the tools and support to work through these experiences and emerge emotionally stronger and more resilient.

Improve Relationship

Through counselling you are able to look at your relationship with fresh eyes. You’d be guided to sort through issues and conflicts and learn to communicate better with important loved ones in your life, either through your own individual development and growth, or with the psychologist, counsellor, or psychotherapist as a facilitator or mediator with these loved ones in couple or group session. You will learn skills and strategies to navigate the challenges and learn how healthy relationship looks like and works. You can practice these new skills during the counselling session with your psychologist, counsellor, and psychotherapist acting as a coach.

Conclusion

Remember, seeking counselling is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to reach out for help, which can make a significant difference in your life. If you ever feel the need to be heard about your troubles and circumstances you feel that “no one will understand” or simply to talk to someone, don't hesitate to reach out and seek professional counselling help. Please remember to take care of your mental well-being (along with physical well-being) while you spur on for your endeavours.

I trust this gives you a peek into a counselling session. If you are curious about this process, why not try experience this yourself by booking in a session with me.