What is Counselling?

Counselling is a process where a variety of concerns can be discussed, such as career indecision, anxiety, stress, loss, anger, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and relationship issues. Your first session with a counsellor is called an “intake”. The purpose of the intake is to help you identify your counselling goals and to explore what referral options might be appropriate for you at this time.

Risks and Benefits

There are benefits and risks to the counselling process. Counselling may involve the risk of remembering unpleasant events and may arouse strong feelings. Benefits of counselling may be an increased ability to live more effectively by improving your ability to cope with life pressures, family relationships and friends. You may also gain better understanding of yourself, your goals and values that will assist you in your personal and career growth.

Client Responsibilities

Personal commitment to counselling is crucial for success. It is important that you be active, open and honest with your counsellor. Your most important task is to work toward the goals you and your counsellor have agreed upon. Seeing a counsellor will be of little benefit without additional effort outside the counselling office. This work can include thinking about the material covered in your sessions, monitoring the behaviours you want to change or working on specific assignments, such as keeping a journal, reading a book or article, or practicing a new skill.