Seeking counselling is often seen by others as a sign of weakness, as though it is an admission of failure. That it just not true. We all need support. Healthy societies are based on mutual interdependence. There is a deep human need in all of us to seek compassion and connection when faced with life’s trials. So I see it as a sign of strength to invest time and energy into working with someone who can be an ally in your journey.
Another misconception is that a counsellor will tell the client how to live their life. Again, that is not true. As a therapist, I offer to form a partnership with you. I see you as the expert in your life and what you want from it. My job is to be an ally and offer possible insights and information based on my training and research, to get you to the place you want to be. This is very different from what self-help books can offer. Although sometimes useful, they are usually a one-size-fits-all approach, which is not what we do in counselling or therapy.