The Power of Counselling

When people think of counselling, they might be drawn to depictions in popular culture, which can sometimes involve parody or cliché; the therapist that sits on a chair with a notebook on their knee, whilst the client lies on a chaise lounge or sits on a sofa looking increasingly uncomfortable and unsure.  There might be a comedic element, or it may be designed to leave the viewer feeling awkwardly uncomfortable.  These sorts of experiences can influence people’s perceptions of what counselling is like and what it involves.  It can influence people’s thoughts about it and cloud their views about whether they would seek if or wish to.

The above isn’t true for all depictions and representations.  Indeed, there are many which are accurate and sensitive to the topic not only of counselling, but also mental health (Ted Lasso take a bow!  Highly recommend if you haven’t seen it!).

They depict it in a way that ‘normalises’ mental health and talking to someone.  It is promoted that you don’t have to be experiencing specific challenges or life events, to seek someone to talk to. 

Society’s views of both are also changing.  The notion of it being ‘good to talk’ is advocated and promoted, and it’s ok (more than ok in fact) to be open and honest about how we are feeling, what we are thinking, and what we are going through.  After all, we don’t necessarily question going to see the GP or a health practitioner for a physical check-up, so why should it be any different for a mental health check-in?

However, this growing acceptance and normalising, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy.  Being open in this way can feel vulnerable.  It can feel uncertain and unsure.  How will people react?  What will people think?  Sometimes, it might feel too overwhelming to know how to start the conversation, or indeed where to start when you do. 

That’s where the beauty of counselling truly shines.  Am I biased?  Of course!  It’s what I do, so naturally I advocate it, but I truly believe that being able to come into a space that is free of judgement, that enables someone to be seen, heard and accepted, and where it feels safe to be vulnerable, raw, and honest, is amazing.

If you want to integrate it into your world you can, but if you also want it to be your space, one that is separate to the everyday, that is also ok. 

It doesn’t matter if it is approached with a whisper or a roar; the power of the space remains. 

The way it envelopes and embraces you for all that you are, and all that you can be. 

The way that it says ‘show me you and explore the possibilities’.

The way that in times of difficulty, it says ‘I will hold you’ whilst you process and understand.

The way that in times of happiness or celebration, it will see and acknowledge it with you.

The way that it helps you to join the dots, to understand, and find the way forward.

The power of connection.

The power of counselling.