McCurrach Counselling Practice - LOOKING FORWARD

WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

TALKING AND LISTENING

There are many times in our lives when all of us really feel we need someone to listen. This is basically what counselling is: someone to listen to you.

Of course many of us have people who listen to our worries and problems almost every day such as families and friends, a religious leader or a caring neighbour. But sometimes this is not enough.

Sometimes it easier to talk to someone who does not know you quite as well. The more serious things you have to discuss, the more likely this is to be true.

There are several advantages to talking to a counsellor who is outside your immediate circle of family and friends;

• You will not have to worry about upsetting them
• They will not judge you or what you have done
• You may find it easier to sort out and talk about your deepest feelings

By counselling, we mean talking to someone who is properly trained to give counselling and is supervised.

Your counsellor will try to;

• Help you sort out and untangle your feelings and worries
• Help you express your emotions in your own way
• Help you work out you own solutions to problems
• Help you accept what cannot be changed
• Help and support you while you do all this

Having counselling is a really positive experience for many people. True, it does sound a bit daunting and it can be upsetting at times. But it is a real luxury in our fast moving world to have an hour every week devoted to you - some time to spend thinking about how you feel and about what you want.

And more than that. Another person who is sympathetic to you and concentrates on really taking in what you are saying. You can say whatever you like and it will stay between you and your counsellor.

One of the important things to remember is that going to see a counsellor;
 

• Is not a sign of weakness
• Does not mean that you can't cope
• doesn't mean you are "cracking up" or " going mad"

It is important to take a little care in finding someone you will feel comfortable with. All prefessional counsellors will offer you a first appointment where you dicuss what you are looking for and what you hope to get out of the counselling.
They will not be offended if you decide that you do not want counselling with them and will be happy to help you to find someone else.

CODE OF PRACTICE
 

A 'code of practice' means the counsellor has certain standards to keep to.
There are different codes of practice. Counsellors who are recognised by Irish Counselling Association or The British Association of Counselling abide by their codes of practice. The codes include things like confidentiality as well as the other points included here such as training and supervision.

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

Clinical supervision is really necesssary for the counsellor to be objective. It means that the counsellor sees another professional counsellor or therapist regularly to talk about how their work is going. The superviser can help the counsellor to keep objective about the things you are both dealing with. This doesn't mean that your counselling is not confidential. The supervisor won't know you and your counsellor won't give your real name. The supervisor is also bound to keep what is dicussed confidential.