Counselling is working out your personal problems with the help of a trained professional. The psychologists at The Illawarra Counselling Centre aim to help you to resolve your problems in a positive way by helping you to clarify the issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase self-awareness. For more specific information please read below.
1. What is Counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity to discuss issues in a supportive, respectful and confidential environment. It aims to improve individual well-being. The psychologist will assist you to
Understand and clarify issues that are directly concerning you, including any underlying issues.
Deal with or change the situationand 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, couples or as a family. Counselling for children 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. They 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 on my first appointment?
On 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.