Common Myths About Counselling

Recent studies report that 20 percent of people living in the UK have worked with a counsellor or psychotherapist at some point in their lives. Furthermore, nearly 50 percent of Britons knows someone else who has. Yet, many people who find themselves struggling with depression, anxiety, addictions, or simply feel weighed down by the problems in their lives resist turning to counselling services. They may have heard certain myths about counselling that simply aren’t true or no longer apply. Here are a few of the most common myths about counselling and the truths that can dispel them.
One of the most common myths about counselling is that a person that needs a counsellor is weak. Some people want to believe that solving your own problems proves that you are strong and independent. The truth is that almost everyone will face a problem in their lifetime that is too big to handle on their own. There is no shame in finding the help you need. In fact, turning to counselling services can be an act of bravery that proves that you are serious about finding solutions to the problems that you are facing.
Some people may put off calling a counsellor because they believe counselling services are only for crazy people or those who struggle with serious emotional problems. Nothing can be further from the truth. While counselling can be beneficial for those dealing with a severe mental health issue, the majority of people working with a counsellor are smart, capable, and very mentally stable. People search out a counsellor for a variety of reasons and finding resources to help with personal struggles is actually a very sane way to confront life’s difficulties.
Another common myth about counselling is that once you start working with a counsellor you’ll never be able to quit. People that worry about becoming dependent upon a counsellor or finding themselves having to work counselling sessions into their schedules for the rest of their lives don’t understand the purpose or reality of counselling. In fact, most counselling is done on a short term basis and the duration of the services depend greatly upon the patient’s goals and the severity of the problems to be dealt with.
Finally, many people avoid counselling because they simply don’t believe that it will work. They may believe that counselling is simply the process of talking to a counsellor while that counsellor sits and gives an occasional detached nod. Counselling services involve so much more and a trained, experienced counsellor can be vital in helping people see their lives in a new perspective, learn important life skills, and help discover solutions to the problems that have been weighing them down. Counselling can be very effective and may be the right answer for anyone looking for help in building a happier, more peaceful and productive tomorrow.