Kick off your shoes, breathe, and tell me all about it. ?

Not everyone is likely to seek a Counsellor, or do it early enough to resolve difficult situations or dynamics. Booking an appointment before molehills become insurmountable alpine ranges can mean the difference between learning to manage painful desperate feelings, and being able to change situations, before needing to relieve stress through medication, addiction, estrangement or divorce.
Sometimes people are surprised or uncomfortable about my profession. I often hear ‘You have to be a lot messed up, out of control or be a victim of a trauma to have to get help.’ Some say they wouldn’t want everyone knowing their business when in fact therapy is totally confidential. Others worry about the price when investing in oneself is priceless.
Perhaps there’s fear of the unknown? Apart from being referred by doctors how do people know what to expect? It’s not exactly the kind of thing people shout from the rooftop when they have benefited. When is the process explained in an inviting way? Counselling is healing. Even very successful, confident people can benefit from expert encouragement and empowerment to “tweak” those spots that don’t seem easily resolvable.

A good therapist:
Offers new perspectives on old dynamics
Has compassion, genuine empathy and healthy detachment
Subscribes to an organization that is reputable and ethical
Keeps agreements and makes confidentiality a priority
Knows that life and love and learning are a continuing process
Is a good listener who respectfully encourages you to stay on track
Explores your needs, dreams, hopes and ambitions
Encourages you to make changes especially around communication
Invites you to go easy on yourself and others
Helps turn disappointments into blessings and normalizes your experiences
Encourages self-love and inner peace
Uncovers your own talent, skills and strengths and helps you build on them
Allows you to drop deeply into your inner world so you can connect with the wisdom and wholeness within.

Leanne French