What is Counselling Psychology

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure who to talk to? That’s where Counselling can help. It gives you a safe space to open up, understand your feelings, and find better ways to cope. It’s not about giving advice but about helping you find your own answers with support.What is Counselling really about? It’s about having someone trained to listen without judgment so you can explore what’s going on and feel heard. 

Whether it’s stress, anxiety, loss, or just needing someone to listen, Counselling offers support without judgment. In this blog, we will discuss What is Counselling, how it works, and how it can support your mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re new to the idea or just curious, this blog is here to help you feel informed and understood. 

Table of Contents

1) What is Counselling?  

2) What Happens in Counselling?  

3) What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session? 

4) What Can Counselling Help With?  

5) Types of Counselling 

6) What is the Process of Counselling? 

7) Conclusion 

Counselling Psychology Definition

Counselling is a safe and private space where a person talks to a trained professional about their thoughts, feelings, or problems. It helps people understand themselves better and find ways to deal with life’s challenges. The Counsellor listens without judging and offers support and guidance. 

For example, if someone feels very stressed at work or sad in their personal life, they may go to Counselling. In the session, they can share what’s on their mind and talk about what is bothering them. The Counsellor may ask gentle questions to help them think clearly and explore ways to feel better. It’s not about giving advice but about helping the person find their own answers. 

Counselling can help with many things like anxiety, loss, relationship problems, or low confidence. It’s useful for people of all ages. Some people need just a few sessions, while others may need more time. The most important part is that the person feels heard, understood, and supported as they take steps toward healing or change. 

 

What Happens in Counselling? 

 

In Counselling, you talk to a trained professional in a private setting. You can share your thoughts, feelings, and problems without fear of being judged. The Counsellor listens, supports you, and helps you understand things more clearly. Together, you explore ways to feel better and cope with challenges. 

Here are some things that usually happen in Counselling: 

a) You talk about what is bothering you in your life 

b) The Counsellor listens carefully and supports you 

c) You set goals or focus areas for your sessions 

d) You learn ways to deal with stress, sadness, or worry 

e) You build confidence and make decisions that feel right for you 

 

What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session? 

 

Here are the things you can usually expect: 

 

1) Introduction and Getting Comfortable 

 

a)  Therapist will explain how the session works 

b) You’ll talk about why you came for therapy 

c) You can ask questions about the process 

d) Time is given to help you feel at ease 

 

2) Sharing Your Story 

 

a) You’ll be asked about your feelings and thoughts 

b) You can talk about what’s been bothering you 

c) There’s no pressure to say everything at once 

d) You go at your own pace and comfort 

 

3) Setting Goals and Next Steps 

 

a) Therapist may help set small goals for you 

b) You’ll talk about what you hope to get from therapy 

c) The number of sessions might be discussed 

d) You’ll agree on when to meet again next time 

Learn to enhance your mental health with our Positive Psychology Course – Join today! 

 

What Can Counselling Help With?  

 

Some of the common issues Counselling can help with include: 

a) Anxiety and stress that affect daily life 

b) Depression or feeling low and unmotivated 

c) Relationship problems with family, friends, or partners 

d) Grief and loss after someone has passed away 

e) Low confidence or poor self-esteem 

f) Life changes like job loss, moving, or health issues 

 

Types of Counselling  

 

There are several Types of Counselling, each tailored to different areas of need. Counsellors specialise and train accordingly. Here are a few of them:

 

Career Counselling 

 

Career Counselling helps people choose the right job or career path. It supports those who feel confused about their work or want to make a change. A career Counsellor gives advice based on your skills, interests, and goals. 

a) Helps choose a job that suits you 

b) Gives advice on career growth 

c) Supports during job or career changes 

 

Relationship Counselling 

 

This type of Counselling helps couples or people solve problems in relationships. It focuses on better communication, understanding, and trust. A Counsellor helps both sides feel heard and find ways to improve their connection. 

a) Improves communication between partners 

b) Helps solve conflicts in a calm way 

c) Builds trust and understanding 

 

Individual Counselling 

 

This is one-to-one Counselling where you talk about your personal problems. It helps you understand your feelings and find ways to cope. The Counsellor gives support in a private and safe space. 

a) Offers support for stress, anxiety, or sadness 

b) Helps you understand your emotions 

c) Builds confidence and self-worth 

 

Family Counselling 

 

Family Counselling helps family members solve problems together. It improves how they talk and understand each other. This type of Counselling is useful when families are going through hard times. 

a) Helps families talk and listen better 

b) Solves problems between parents and children 

c) Supports families during life changes 

 

Group Counselling 

 

It involves several people with similar issues talking together. A Counsellor guides the group and offers support. It helps people feel less alone and learn from others’ experiences. 

a) Shares experiences in a safe group 

b) Builds confidence by hearing others’ stories 

c) Offers support and advice from the group 

Learn to handle anxiety with our Mental Health and Wellbeing Training – Join today! 

 

What is the Process of Counselling? 

 

Below are the five stages of the Counselling process:

 

Relationship Building 

 

This is the first step in Counselling. The Counsellor creates a safe and trusting space for the client to feel comfortable. It’s important to build a good connection so the person can speak freely. 

a) Helps the client feel safe and supported 

b) Builds trust between the Counsellor and client 

c) Creates a friendly and open environment 

 

Assessment 

 

In this stage, the Counsellor asks questions to understand the client’s problems better. They listen carefully and may take notes to learn about the client’s feelings, thoughts, and life situation. This helps to find the root of the problem. 

a) Understands what the client is going through 

b) Helps spot the main issues 

c) Gives a clear picture of the client’s needs 

 

Goal Setting 

 

The Counsellor and client work together to set small, realistic goals. These goals help guide the Counselling sessions. It gives the client a direction and something to work toward. 

a) Sets clear goals for improvement 

b) Gives focus to each session 

c) Encourages the client to stay motivated 

 

Plan of Action 

 

Now, they make a step-by-step plan to reach the goals. The plan may include tasks or changes in thinking and behaviour. It’s a guide to help the client move forward. 

a) Creates a clear and simple plan 

b) Helps the client take action step by step 

c) Supports learning new ways to cope 

 

Overcoming the Problem 

 

This is the final stage, where progress is reviewed. If the goals are reached, Counselling may end. If not, the plan can be adjusted, or sessions can continue. 

a) Checks if the client has met their goals 

b) Makes changes if more support is needed 

c) Encourages the client to stay strong and keep going 

 

Conclusion  

 

We hope you now have a clear idea of What is Counselling is and how it can support people through difficult times. Counselling offers a safe space to talk, understand your feelings, and find ways to cope. It helps with many personal and emotional issues, whether big or small. No matter your situation, knowing how Counselling can help you take the first step towards feeling better and more in control. 

Learn the methods of giving social support with our Psychology Course – Join today!