1. What is Counselling?

• Counselling is an opportunity to discuss issues in a supportive, respectful and confidential environment. It aims to improve individual wellbeing. The psychologist will assist you to:

  • Understand and clarify issues that are directly concerning you, including any underlying issues.
  • Deal with or change the situation and find constructive solutions.
  • Counselling does not give advice but rather helps you to find new ways to think about things, to find new frameworks by which to consider things. It is a chance for you to talk through issues or experiences, for the psychologist to listen in helpful and non- judgemental ways and to empower you to take constructive action on your own.
  • Understand and clarify issues that are directly concerning them, including any underlying issues.
  • Identify and explore options to address these issues.

  Develop plans to approach the issues and find constructive solutions.

2. What happens in the counselling session?

• Counselling sessions usually run for up to one hour. During this time, the psychologist may ask some questions and encourage you (the client) to talk about and explore issues or difficulties you are experiencing. People can attend counselling as individuals, as a family or as a couple for relationship counselling in the Illawarra. Counselling for children from a child psychologist in Wollongong is also available.

  In the sessions, the psychologist will facilitate discussion about the issues that are causing concern, exploring factors that might be influencing those situations and supporting clients to work toward dealing with or resolving the issues in a way that suits the individual client. For instance, if you’re experiencing issues with substance abuse, drug and alcohol counselling could help you. Your psychologist will assist you to develop strategies to cope with the situation or change the situation.

  Different people seek different outcomes from the counselling process. Because of this, it is important that you take the time to talk to your psychologist about what you are expecting or hoping for as a result of the counselling process.

3. What are some of the typical issues covered in a counselling session?

• Typical issues covered include

  Work Issues

  Returning to work following an injury

  Exploring alternative options for career advancement and best person-job fit

  Improving interpersonal communication skills that could be impacting on workplace relationships

  Managing performance – e.g. giving and receiving feedback, or improving assertiveness

  Needing support for emotional difficulties which may have resulted in performance

  issues -e.g. panic attacks or phobias, or depression following major life stress

  Conflict with co-workers

  Bullying and Harassment

  Change/restructure in the workplace

  Trauma / Critical incident

  Retrenchment or retirement

  Personal Issues

  Illness, grief and loss

  Addictive behaviours (Drug, alcohol and gambling)

  Anxiety, stress or depression

  Financial problems

  Anger management

  Family Issues

  Relationship difficulties (e.g. Step families, difficult teenagers, violence and abuse

  Separation or divorce issues

  Domestic Violence

  Concerns about children

  Work-Life Balance

4. What can I expect during my first appointment?

• During your first appointment, you will meet with an experienced clinician who will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your current concerns. By the end of your first session, you will have a clear treatment plan to commence tackling the presenting issue.