Responding to change can be difficult. Counselling (also known as “talk therapy” or just “therapy” for short) is a process of support where we have 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 us and our counsellor forms a safe space to process life’s challenges, big or small. Over time, this can lead to more clarity and confidence, and the discovery of unique solutions to our problems.

Working with a counsellor offers a dedicated space for addressing change and difficulty. Since the counsellor is not personally involved in our lives, their perspective should remain unbiased.

A counsellor is experienced in listening and drawing out key themes from the stories they hear from us. They help reflect on our lives outside of usual distractions, lending a voice to thoughts, feelings and values that might otherwise be overlooked.

A counsellor doesn’t give advice or tell us what to do. They also don’t prescribe medication for our difficulties.

A counselling relationship should feel safe, where we feel free to express and explore our feelings, no matter what we’re going through.

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

A good fit looks different for everyone, and depends on the person’s needs, cultural background, and other factors. Like with any relationship, sometimes it’s just a gut feeling; sometimes trust just needs to build over time.

The duration of counselling varies depending on the person. While some prefer 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 us and our counsellor ensure that the pace of sessions feels appropriate and can be adjusted to our 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 not ideal, as they don’t allow for a relationship to form between us and our counsellor.

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

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

Counselling sessions are confidential, with two exceptions:

(1) If we indicate we have a plan to harm ourselves or others,
(2) If our counsellor acquires knowledge or suspicion of abuse — sexual, physical, or psychological — of anyone aged 16 and below.

Depending on where we live, work or study, there may be coverage for counselling under insurance plans. It can be helpful to check with our provider to confirm the scope of coverage.

Holly has limited availability for working with people at a lower rate. Please get in touch for more information.

Counselling sessions can either be put on pause or continue with Holly via video call during this time. When both parties are back in town, face-to-face counselling can be resumed if that is preferred.

These professionals all provide support with a person’s health and 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 experiences, so that future action can be more clearly realised. A counsellor does not diagnose mental difficulties.

A life coach works on guiding us to tackle goals in a specific area, e.g. career change, losing weight, etc. This type of support works with specific short- to medium-term outcomes in mind.

A psychotherapist typically offers longer-term talk therapy, e.g. 6 months and more. A psychotherapist does not diagnose mental difficulties.

A clinical psychologist provides talk therapy and also diagnoses mental difficulties.

A psychiatrist diagnoses mental difficulties and prescribes medication for them. Some may provide talk therapy as well.

Doing talk therapy alongside medical treatment can often be beneficial for people experiencing prolonged difficulties with mental health. If unsure, we can talk to our counsellor and/or psychiatrist to chart out a treatment plan.

The therapeutic relationship between us and our counsellor should be maintained during sessions only. A counsellor should not be contacted socially or in case of emergency.

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

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