Myths on counselling you should stop believing

When it comes to counselling, there are numerous faulty beliefs and misconceptions that have been wandering through society for decades. One of the main reasons why these myths have appeared is that people do not know as much as they are supposed to about the importance of counselling and what it actually implies. Even though there are many professional and highly trained Bristol counsellors, myths on this form of therapy still exist and here are the most popular ones.

#1 – I don’t need counselling, because I’m not crazy

Probably the most common misconception on counselling is that it is only designed to help people who have mental disorders, when in fact this is not true at all. People who attend counselling sessions are skilled and stable individuals and they resort to this type of therapy when they struggle with various problems and need guidance to find the best solution to solve them. It is said that those who accept they need counselling are actually intelligent people with good mental health.

#2 – A stranger can’t help me

The idea that you are going to discuss about your personal problems with someone you do not know at all may sound scary, which is why your first thought may be that a stranger is incapable of giving you the help you seek for. Truth is this is exactly what counselling does and one of the many reasons why it is such a successful approach. Counsellors have vast knowledge, training and experience and they know various techniques and methods that are meant to help patients find the right answers to their questions.

#3 – Counsellors do nothing but sit and nod

Some people see counselling as something where they get all the talking and counsellors just sit there, stay silent and nod. It is worth mentioning that counselling is considered a team effort and this means that not only the patient gets the chance to talk, but also the counsellor. The latter one has to ask the patient various questions in order to determine their current situations and symptoms, to learn more about their personal history and in the end to offer them guidance to see things clearly and to develop their problem-solving skills.

#4 – If I go to counselling sessions, everyone will know

One of the things that make counselling great is related to patient-therapist confidentiality. This implies that no third party will ever find out about the things discusses during therapy sessions, so there is no need to worry that someone may find out you are seeing a counsellor, unless of course you tell them.