Sometimes the reasons to seek counselling aren’t as obvious as losing a loved one or witnessing a traumatic event. Sometimes, it’s a combination of our everyday experiences and circumstances that signal it’s time to talk to someone.
Sign 1: Changes in appetite, sleeping patterns and physical health
Research suggests that stress often manifests as physical illness. Changes in regular eating habits (not eating much/feeling constantly hungry), or change in regular sleep routine (unable to sleep/always feeling tired) are often indicative of person being in stress or anxiety. Stress can lead to unexplained headaches, digestive issues or skin irritation, and thereby affecting wellbeing of the individual. Psychological counselling uses relaxation exercises that induce a sense of calm and this can eliminate stress in your life thereby leaving you with increased confidence in your ability to cope with everyday stress.
Sign 2: You feel dissatisfied with your life
Counselling isn’t just for people who are experiencing major upheavals in their mood or life circumstances. Sometimes everything seems fine on the surface – but we know there’s more to life than our current situation. Talking to a professional can help us clarify what’s important, and motivate us to make changes and get moving in the direction of happiness and fulfilment. Solution-focused counselling is an opportunity to assess where your life, career and relationships are at right now – and figure out where you’d really like to be. This approach to counselling is highly collaborative.
Counselling helps to:
• Overcome everyday challenges
• Define your life, relationship and career needs
• Achieve your personal goals using practical techniques such as flow state, assertiveness training and enhanced communication skills
• Relationship counselling isn’t just for couples experiencing major problems, or who are on the verge of separation. In fact, specialist couples counselling can help to strengthen the existing bond between you and your partner.
• Talking to someone about ways you can improve your communication, deepen intimacy and start working together towards your relationship goals is an opportunity to make a good relationship even better, and increase the likelihood of long-term commitment and satisfaction.
Sign 3: You’re worried about someone you care for
Whether it’s substance use, anxiety, depression, anger outbursts, social withdrawal or any such problem, the care and concern we feel about our loved ones’ their wellness and safety often force us to get them to see a counsellor. Sometimes they are open to the possibility, but what happens if they are resistant or deny there is a problem? Specialist supportive counselling is also available to parents, care takers, partners and family members. This form of counselling can provide you with some incredible support and guidance, such as:
• An opportunity to discuss concern and explore ways to give someone the support they need
• Current treatment approaches (drug/alcohol recovery, anger management techniques)
• Advanced parenting skills
• Family therapy to address ongoing conflict
• Self-care strategies for carers.