I remember my first ever counselling session. It had taken me so much effort to just arrange the time to meet - and here I was now sitting in a room with a stranger having no idea what to expect.
If you've never been to counselling before, it can hold a lot of unknowns. Let's demystify some of what you can expect from counselling here at Renewal.
Counselling is a safe space for you to come and talk about what is going on in life. Counselling is different from talking to a friend. We will set goals for what you want to get out of counselling, so that our time has a direction, but you are welcome to bring whatever you like to counselling on that day.
Sometimes we will talk about things in your life presently, and other times, we may process significant experiences in your past that impact you now. Counselling can help you change from difficult patterns in life.
Counselling often involves times of talking, feeling, thinking and being. Sometimes we will do activities together to help you engage with difficult places or calm yourself after strong emotions. You can choose which of these activities you feel comfortable with and which you do not. You'll never be forced to talk about or do anything you do not want to do.
Those are things you can expect in counselling.