1. What You Should Know Before Seeing A Counsellor
Organisations under the umbrella of counselling therapy include; 'Relate', which help with
relationship and marriage issues, 'Cruise' which supports individuals in coping with
bereavement. ‘Mind’ assists with particular illnesses, conditions or mental health problems, or
very specific help, in looking at relationship or life crises that culminated in childhood.
Counselling enables exploration into the conscious and subconscious world of thoughts and
feelings, examining current and past experiences, using a different perspective, to discover
new or alternative ways to cope with issues and/or resolve personal conflicts or difficulties.
When choosing a therapist, the client needs to consider and be able to feel that a sense of
trust can be formed with the therapist, as the client needs to feel safe and secure when
opening themselves and revealing their feelings, fears or experiences.
Utilizing the skills of counseling therapy is of equal importance to seeking help for a physical
condition. If any problems occur with any particular counselor a client may seek the
assistance of different therapist
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Counselling is a relatively short-term therapy. Sessions usually last between 45 minutes to
an hour and the frequency of sessions is dependent on the problem. For example, crisis
situations would require several sessions within a short span of time. Most people will attend
one session per week until improvement is seen.
Counsellors will adopt various approaches and techniques within their specialist area. These
approaches could be just listening, which gives the client the opportunity to talk and free
themselves of their problems. An interactive, practically based therapy is also used by some
therapist, which uses techniques such as breathing, visualization, inner child work,
regression and hypnotherapy to access deeper levels.
During the consultation, all that is required is that you talk about what is bothering you as
openly and honestly as you can. The counselor will listen and respond to your worries and
fears, with respect and understanding, enabling you to gain a deeper insight of them so you
can deal with them successfully and more easily.
During the sessions the counsellor will vary their area of discussion and how much talking
they do within the session. Counsellors will always work alongside the client, however they
will encourage a client to do things that they are capable of, for example a therapist may set
‘homework’ aimed to develop coping or communication skills or to support self esteem or
promote positive behaviours. Confidentiality is always strictly maintained, unless in the rare
instance, they consider the client to be a risk to themselves or others.

2. FINDING A QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR
Counselling is a safe therapy for everyone. Clients often feel a sense of relief after the initial
session, as there is often a physical sensation of a weight being lifted from their shoulders.
However, it is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member
of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the NZ Association of
Counsellors (NZAC). Counsellors are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that
determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment. These regulations
also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional
upskilling.
The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified professional
Counsellors within your region. We fully encourage you to do some independent research by
checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client
feedback and so forth.
Click here to book a psychologist in Wellington