What is meant by Counselling?
According to the American Counselling Association, counselling can be defined as “the application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioural, or systemic interventions, strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development as well as pathology”. It is a structured format in which a counsellor collaborates with clients in finding solutions for their problems.
How is it different from talking to a friend or family member?
Counselling is based on three pillars of confidentiality, non- judgmental relationship and professional approaches.
Counsellors recognize that trust is a cornerstone of the counselling relationship. It is the ethical duty of a counsellor to keep the information revealed by the client confidential. Every client has the right to choose the time, circumstances and extent to which they wish to share or withhold personal information. Confidentiality can only be broken if there is a risk to the client’s life or to the people around them/ or if it is ordered by a court of law.
The counselling session can be understood as a safe space for a client where they are free to share their concerns without feeling judged. The counsellor is a neutral individual who provides the client with an environment where they can freely express themselves. This might not be the case with friends and other people close to the client.
Professional counsellors hold advanced degrees in psychology (MA, MPhil/ PhD). They are trained in helping clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behaviour change and optimal mental health. Clinical Psychologists address behavioural and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan including intellectual, emotional, psychological, social and behavioural maladjustment, minor adjustment issues as well as severe psychopathology.
Who should seek counselling?
Anyone can go for counselling. It is a misconception that only people who have mental health problems need counselling. An individual can even go to a counsellor for learning certain life skills or personality development.
What goes on in a counselling session?
A counsellor, after a detailed evaluation of an individual, makes recommendations about the choices that clients can make. Practical advice about eating, sleeping, exercise, and other ways to manage lifestyle is also included in counselling. Counsellors also provide and recommend a range of treatments for emotional well-being, including psychological therapy, individual, family and group counselling.
What are the benefits of professional counselling?
Counselling addresses a range of issues from personal growth to psychological aid. In issues related to self, personal and professional development, counselling helps one identify problems and find practical solutions for them. In more serious cases like severe psychological issues and psychiatric illness, counselling acts as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy to help alleviate distress. Counsellors help in improving client understanding about their illness and various measures they can take for improving the prognosis and reducing a risk of relapse.
Samvedna Care has been ensuring proper care of the elderly since 2013. Our team of eldercare experts, social workers, and psychologists work day in and out to make certain the proper physical and emotional health of the elderly, remotely. We offer counselling for depression in elderly, psychological assessments for elderly and provide elder care services for senior citizens with special needs. Samvedna care experts are always there for you and your loved ones.
Samvedna Care, G-7 Oriental Villas, Sushant Lok III, Sector 57, Gurgaon
Samvedna Care, C-13 Anand Niketan, New Delhi
+91 74280 97301
