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What is counselling?

Hello…

..and welcome back to my blog.

So while considering all the topics I want to cover for you all, today I thought why not start with the basics – what is counselling? Whist I realise I have covered this throughout my website, I wanted to discuss it in more informal terms.

Counselling is defined as the provision of professional assistance and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems.

But I still wonder, do people actually know what that means?

I have had many a discussion where people believe that counselling is about giving advice or telling people what to do – and it couldn’t be further from the truth.

So what does it mean, I hear you ask?

The answer is simple, it means different things to different people. And every relationship between client and counsellor will be different.

First and foremost it is regarded as a ‘talking therapy’ – were people can come to explore and share openly about their life, experiences and difficulties in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Counselling can also take many different forms from individual to couples or group face-to-face, to telephone or online counselling.

So there is not a ‘one size fits all’ definition.

Counselling offers people the opportunity to simply off load, to try and understand thoughts and feelings or perhaps explore current or past difficulties.

The key and most important part to counselling is the therapeutic relationship. Without that, well little can be achieved – and this has been well documented in research over the years. So it is important to pick the right therapist for you – I’ll be coming back to this topic in my next post.

So what is counselling to me?

I see counselling as a journey of self-exploration, discovery and understanding – and it’s one that I feel privileged to travel alongside with my clients.

I provide a space where I offer no answers or solutions, as I am not on expert on them – or you – but I am there to offer support and encouragement. Therefore my hope is to provide understanding and empowerment, enabling you and my clients to embrace and enhance their own lives and live them more fully.

My aim is to create a collaborative relationship, in which I work authentically with clients by sharing my thoughts and observations and by providing them with a reflective space to hear their own voice.

I hope that offers some idea about what counselling is, and perhaps if the topic of conversation ever comes up you can clarify that it isn’t about giving advice or telling people what to do.

Please like, comment, share and follow, and until next time:

be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships

Kassandra

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Hello and Welcome

Hello and welcome to Counselling with Kassandra and my very first blog entry!

My name is Kassandra, and if you have already explored the rest of my website, you are aware that I am an experienced qualified integrative counsellor. And if you haven’t yet please feel free to do so!

Blogging however, well this is very much a new experience for me, and I’m excited to share some of my thoughts and opinions not only about counselling and psychotherapy, but exploring the complexities of modern-day life, looking behind the reasons we may seek help and exploring ways we could all benefit from a bit of self-care.

Why did I want to start a blog?

Well, in my work I realise that I ask my clients to come out of their comfort zones and embrace their vulnerabilities with, in essence, a total stranger. While I don’t stay a stranger for long, I know this can be a difficult and hard process.

I therefore thought to myself, how could I make this process easier?

Which is when it came to me, why not write a blog!

Firstly, because it is out of my own comfort zone. Yes, even qualified counsellors have vulnerabilities. How can I ask my clients to own their vulnerabilities if I am not willing to share mine?

To say, ‘I’ve been there too’.

Secondly, that life can be difficult – there are times where we all struggle to make sense of life experiences, situations and relationships. Sometimes these can be overwhelming, we feel isolated and alone, and like no one else understands. And while all our experiences are unique and individual to us – I wanted to show that others may have similar thoughts, feelings and experiences.

 To say, ‘You aren’t alone’.

And lastly, to explain more about the process and demonstrate the benefits of counselling, to take away any stigma attached to seeking help. I mean, where else can you be heard, understood or have focused attention without having to give anything back?

To say, ‘I’m here to help’.

So whether you are or become a client, or someone considering counselling, maybe you just stumbled upon this blog during a difficult time, or perhaps you are simply looking to nurture your own wellbeing – my hope is for you to get the most out of your own life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my very first blog entry. I officially stepped out of my comfort zone today, what could you do to step out of your comfort zone?

Please like, comment, share and follow and until next time:

be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships

Kassandra

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