Information

AN  EFFECTIVE   COUNSELLOR  OR  PSYCHOTHERAPIST:

• understands depression and how to lift it
• helps immediately with anxiety problems including trauma or fear related symptoms
• is prepared to give information and advice as needed
• will not use jargon or ‘psychobabble’ or tell you that counselling or psychotherapy has to be ‘painful’
• will not dwell unduly on the past
• will be supportive when difficult feelings emerge, but will not encourage people to get emotional beyond the normal need to ‘let go’ of any bottled up feelings
• may assist you to develop your social skills so that your needs for affection, friendship, pleasure, intimacy, connection to the wider community etc. can be better fulfilled
• will help you to draw and build on your own resources (which may prove greater than you thought)
• will be considerate of the effects of counselling on the people close to you
• may teach you to relax deeply
• will help you think about your problems in new and more empowering ways
• uses a wide range of techniques as appropriate
• may ask you to do things between sessions
• will take as few sessions as possible
• will increase your self-confidence and independence and make sure you feel better after every consultation.