Coping with change can be difficult. Counselling is a process of support where a person has regular conversations with a trained professional on a range of issues. These conversations can provide perspective, understanding, and other lasting benefits.

The bond shared between counsellor and client forms a safe space for processing life’s challenges, big or small. Over time, this can lead to people discovering unique solutions to their problems with more independence and confidence.

Working with a counsellor offers a dedicated, neutral space for addressing difficulties. Since counsellors are not personally involved in their clients’ lives, their perspective should remain unbiased.

A counsellor is trained to listen for and draw out key themes from their clients’ stories. They help clients reflect on their lives outside of usual distractions, lending a voice to important thoughts, feelings and values that might otherwise be overlooked.

A counsellor doesn’t give advice or tell you what to do. They also don’t prescribe medication for mental conditions.

A counselling relationship should first and foremost feel safe and free — where you feel seen and supported.

If you’re new to counselling, it may be helpful to try out a counsellor for a few sessions first to see if you’re fully comfortable to continue.

A good fit looks different for everyone, and would depend on a person’s needs, cultural background, and other factors. Like with any relationship, sometimes it’s just a gut feeling or chemistry that can build over time.

The duration of counselling varies depending on the person. Whilst some engage in short-term counselling, e.g. 5-10 sessions, some might prefer an ongoing relationship with their counsellor that spans months or years.

During a course of counselling, regular check-ins between client and counsellor ensure that the pace of sessions feel appropriate and can be adjusted to the client’s needs.

To begin with, weekly sessions are ideal. This frequency helps not only with building trust, but also the momentum and consistency needed to implement changes with support.

One-off sessions are generally not recommended, as they don’t allow for a relationship to form between counsellor and client.

During times of crisis – when you or someone you know are in immediate danger.

In case of an emergency, refer to your local crisis hotlines and/or suicide prevention hotlines for support.

All counselling sessions are confidential, with two exceptions:

(1) If the client indicates they have a plan to harm themselves or others,
(2) If the counsellor acquires knowledge or suspicion of abuse — sexual, physical, or psychological — of a minor (those aged 16 and below).

Depending on where you live, work or study, there may be coverage for counselling under your insurance plan. Check with your provider or relevant staff at your company or school to confirm the scope of coverage.

Holly has limited availability for working with clients at a lower rate. If you’re interested, please get in touch.

Clients can continue counselling sessions with Holly via video call. When Holly is back in town, you can resume face-to-face counselling if that is preferred. Switching between the two formats doesn’t affect the quality of the sessions.

These professionals all provide support with a person’s wellbeing, but there are some key differences.

A counsellor provides short- to long-term support through talk therapy. Sessions involve making connections between past and present experience, so that clearer options for future action can be realised. A counsellor does not diagnose mental conditions.

A life coach works on guiding the client to tackle goals in a specific area, e.g. career change, losing weight, quitting smoking, etc. This type of support works with specific milestones and outcomes in mind.

A psychotherapist typically offers longer-term talk therapy, e.g. 6 months +. A psychotherapist does not diagnose mental conditions.

A clinical psychologist provides talk therapy and can also diagnose mental conditions.

A psychiatrist diagnoses mental conditions and prescribes medication for them. Some may provide talk therapy as well, but medication is the main treatment method.

Engaging in talk therapy alongside medical treatment can often be highly beneficial for people suffering from prolonged difficulties with mental health. If unsure, talk to your counsellor and/or psychiatrist to chart out a treatment plan that works for you.

The therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client is maintained during sessions. A counsellor should not be contacted socially or in case of emergency. This ensures the safety of both parties involved, and to prevent conflict of interest.

If you find yourself and your counsellor wanting to be friends, a period of at least 2-5 years is typically recommended between the end of counselling and the start of a friendship (during which you no longer engage with your counsellor in their previous capacity). This can be discussed with your counsellor if the need arises.

Please get in touch with Holly at holly@hollymak.com.