What Should I Expect From Counselling?

I think this is one of the most important things to ask and consider before you start your counselling journey. When I first meet a potential client, one thing I like to share with them, is that things will start to feel worse before they start to feel better. This is not always what people want to hear. It took a lot of courage and vulnerability for a person to even start this journey, so by me sharing that it is not going to get better, right away, that may feel upsetting or even defeating.

I think it is so important to be transparent and honest with my clients on what the counselling process will look like, so they are prepared and ready for what is to come. That is part of my role to provide structure and forecast what I can, regardless of what issue or concern clients are wanting to work through. So far this honesty, has not been a deterrent for any of my clients. They have shared they appreciate the awareness and have felt more prepared for what is to come, and they can let those who support them know as well.

So why does it get worse before it gets better? Well, a lot of the time the issues or concerns that a client wants to unpack, is one that maybe has not been looked at for some time, one that has been pushed aside or buried away, until the client is able to spend time really examining it. This means that the “thing” that is impacting the client, has been, let’s say dormant, and is now coming to the surface. The good news is that once it is at the surface, and you are working with a counsellor to examine it, you are working with someone who has the expertise, compassion, tools, and support to help you look at it, in a productive and helpful way.

If you are thinking about starting the counselling process, I think this is an important thing to be aware. Our clients appreciate this honesty so they can prepare for this journey. Things will get better, and things will feel more settled and after unpacking the issue or concern things will be put back in a way that feels healthy and safe for the client.

Our next blog will look at how your body and mind might respond to counselling and some tips to help you balance the journey of counselling and your life.