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Common Myths About Counselling

Have you thought about seeing a counsellor but have doubts about going? Here are a few myths about counsellors and the counselling experience.

The counsellor will tell me what my problems are and how to fix them.

The purpose of counselling is not to tell the individual what to do. There is no one solution-fits-all. Every person and life situation is unique and needs to be understood. The counselling relationship helps you gain useful insight and understanding of yourself and your situation. This helps you make your own decisions on what the best course of action is for you.

Once I start counselling I will be in it forever.

The length of counselling depends on the client’s goals, motivation, and the severity of the problems. Most counselling is short-term, generally lasting between eight and 15 sessions. Good counsellors are invested in helping you meet your goals so you can successfully operate independent of counselling. Counselling is a process marked not by time but by the quality and outcome of the sessions.

Seeking counselling is a sign of weakness.

Asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness, or that you should be able to fix your problems on your own. This is not true. Admitting you need help can be the hardest barrier to overcome. It takes courage to admit you need help. It requires insight to proactively and responsibly deal with issues before it negatively impacts your physical and emotional well-being and relationships inside or outside the classroom.

Counselling is only for severe problems.

Problems that start out as everyday concerns can build up and, if not dealt with, become worse. Counselling offers you a chance to deal with small or large concerns, such as stress, anxiety, life balance, relationships, love triangles, or rectangles, and discover real and effective strategies that work for you. Many people who attend counselling are bright, skilled, and stable people. If you want to be listened to and would like greater awareness, growth, and fulfilment in any area of your life, you may find counselling helpful.

A counsellor does not know me and can’t help me.

This is one of the reasons why counselling can be successful. Since a counsellor is not a part of your day-to-day life, they can offer you impartial, unbiased insights, and support that will help you speak more openly about your situation and remove fears or anxiety about being judged.

Counselling involves a unique relationship where you are encouraged and challenged to find the answers that are right for your life.

Counsellors don’t do anything. They just sit there, write notes, and nod occasionally.

Many stereotypes and depictions of counsellors in television and movies have led to their image that counsellors can read your mind, are detached, or ineffective and unable to provide the support you need. The role of the counsellor is to be active and engaged, using questions, and interventions to help you move towards your goals.