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June 2011
News
As of the 1st July, our prices will be increasing, so they are more in line with the recommended pricing of the APS & AASW, since they have been frozen for the last few years. The increase is not substantial and if you have any queries please feel free to contact our office on (07) 3862 6622.We’d also like to welcome back the Principal of our Practice Jenny Collier who has been in the United Kingdom for the last month completing a placement and also attended the WAS Sexual Health Conference in Glasgow.
Thought of the Month
“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make” – Les Brown
The Myths of Counselling
Over the years there have been many negative connotations to what people think counselling is. This newsletter will focus on these issues.
Myth 1: One Session Fix
Many people think that one single session is all they need and for some this can be the case. However, most often there is no quick fix: the first session is an introduction, it is important to know if there is a bond between the counsellor and the client. There is no point in having six sessions with a counsellor or a psychologist, if the person doesn’t feel that they are benefitting. There is also a need for the client to feel comfortable discussing their problems. We find that the counselling experience is a lot like an onion, there are many layers to the problems that a person may be experiencing and the more you peel back those layers, more often than not, the real problem presents itself. Some people might need a session, to talk through a problem, and one session may be all that is needed. However, this is not often the case.
Myth 2: The Quick Fix
Some people come to counselling expecting that once they’ve told the social worker or psychologist, what the problem is, that the counsellor will then give them a solution, and that’s the end of that. The truth is that there are no quick fixes in counselling, you get out what you put in. It is not the role of the counsellor to tell a person what they should or shouldn’t do; their role, is as a facilitator. The only person who can solve your problem is yourself, social workers and psychologists merely provide the framework and the tools for the client to find the solution.
Myth 3: Counsellors Pick Favourites
In relationship counselling, one common myth that some people talk about is the ‘blame game’ they feel that if they are able to tell the social worker or psychologist what is happening that they’ll be on their side. Another example is where one party may be hesitant to attend counselling, for example a man may feel that a female social worker or psychologist is more likely to take the side of the woman within the session. However, the counsellor is merely a facilitator, and must remain objective throughout the counselling relationship.
Myth 4: Change is Simple
Change is not always simple and may take some time and energy to happen. Just because someone has given you the tools to change your life, doesn’t mean there is a straight path ahead of you, life isn’t a straight line, it has curves and bumps and sometimes we take the wrong off ramp and have to find our way back. Counselling is not a quick fix solution to the problem, but when it does start to work, it is certainly a happy occasion.