Frequently Asked Questions

Psychological counseling is a collaborative journey undertaken by a client and a psychologist or counselor. It empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges, foster personal growth, and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life. Through counseling, you can gain valuable insights into your thought patterns, develop effective strategies for managing emotions, modify unhelpful behaviors, and ultimately, achieve your personal goals.

It may be helpful to seek counseling if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or anger
• Difficulty coping with stress or major life changes
• Relationship problems or conflicts
• Low self-esteem or negative thoughts about yourself
• Changes in appetite, sleep, or energy levels
• Difficulty concentrating, motivating or making decisions
• Self-harming behaviors or thoughts of harming oneself

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

What is discussed in counseling depends entirely on you and your needs. Your counselor will provide you with a safe and non-judgmental environment, encouraging you to share your concerns, feelings, thoughts and experiences.

In your initial session, your counselor will typically gather information about your concerns, background, and goals. Subsequent sessions may involve discussing your thoughts and feelings, exploring patterns in your behavior, and developing coping strategies. The counselor may also provide psychoeducation on relevant topics or suggest specific exercises for you to practice between sessions.

The success of the counseling process hinges on establishing healthy communication and attending sessions consistently. Therefore, counseling typically begins with weekly sessions to foster a trusting relationship between the counselor and the client and to ensure steady progress. As the client grows stronger psychologically, the interval between sessions can be extended. The duration of counseling varies depending on the unique needs and goals of each individual. Some clients may benefit from short-term support, while others may require longer-term counseling. The counselor will work collaboratively with the client to develop a personalized counseling plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. Your counselor will not share any information without your permission unless there is a legal obligation or the safety of the client or others is at stake. Your counselor will discuss these confidentiality limits with you during your first session.

Yes, online counseling is an effective option, especially when face-to-face meetings are difficult or there are geographical limitations. Online counseling is conducted through a secure and confidential platform and offers similar benefits to face-to-face counseling.

When choosing a counselor, it's important to consider factors such as their areas of expertise, experience, therapeutic approaches, and your personal connection with them. It can be helpful to have initial consultations with a few counselors to determine the best fit for you.

No, psychological counseling is not just for those with problems. You can also apply for counseling to get support on issues such as personal development, self-awareness, communication skills or stress management.