For some people, friends and family are great sources of support and are a great option for receiving the care they need in everyday life.
But many people find that having someone outside those circles to talk with is helpful when addressing mental health needs, someone who has experience and knowledge in dealing with the specific challenges that they are facing.
Unlike most family and friends, your counsellor is professionally trained to come alongside you in your journey to better mental health.
Counselling is a place to address big emotions and difficult circumstances. Where family or friends might become overwhelmed by the circumstances or emotions you bring, your counsellor is able to hold whatever you bring to the sessions without becoming overwhelmed.
Friends often listen with a desire to give you advise. Your counsellor's role is to help you come to your own decisions by helping you understand yourself, your circumstances, the impact of your decisions, and how you relate to other people.
For some people, family or friendships are a source of great pain, isolation and grief. While your counsellor won't ever take the place of family or friends in your life, she can help you to process and integrate painful experiences and help you grow in your ability to make healthier friendships and/or become less isolated.
Unlike most friends and family, your counsellor is trained in caring for specific mental health needs and providing that care in a safe and confidential environment.
In addition, your counsellor follows an ethical code in practice. This means she will not push her agenda or personal beliefs on you but will help you weigh-up choices and their potential impact on your life.
Unlike friendship, your counsellor will not share a lot about her personal life. The time in counselling is for you and is not about your counsellor.
So while your counsellor may make you feel comfortable like a good friend or family member does, the relationship is very different.