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Deciding to take the first step towards getting counselling is not easy for everyone. And for these individuals, actually going to see their private psychotherapist in Singapore may prove to be even more challenging due to them not knowing what to expect, giving rise to feelings of awkwardness, apprehension, fear, and many other emotions. But in order to reap the long-term benefits of counselling, attending your sessions, starting with the very first one, and becoming familiar with your therapist is the one hurdle you must overcome. Let us help you make your counselling journey a bit easier by letting you know the things to expect before attending counselling.
Seeing A Counsellor Does Not Warrant Having ‘Serious Problems’
There are plenty of reasons to seek the help of a mental health expert, but they do not necessarily all have to be ‘serious problems’. Even something as mild as wanting better ways to deal with stress or manage one’s relationships are good enough of a reason. In short, you can always rely on a counsellor or psychologist in overcoming any mental obstacles in your life, no matter their severity. Below are some warning signs to look out for that mean it is best for you to seek professional help:
- Significant drop in performance in one’s studies or work
- Heightened suspicion towards others or fearfulness
- Thoughts of harming others or one’s self
- Sudden and unexplainable personality changes
- Hearing or seeing things no one else can
Addressing the issues behind these symptoms starts with consulting a mental health expert who can help prevent them from worsening.
First Sessions Can Be Nerve-Wracking, But There Is No Reason To Be Nervous
Naturally, one must open up to a counsellor or therapist so they can help and address your troubles. However, you should not feel pressured to do so on the very first session. Generally, these serve as an opportunity to get to know your therapist first and vice versa. Thus, you can expect them to ask about things like your life history, notable influences in your life, and present concerns.
It is crucial to remember that it is up to you to move at the pace you are most comfortable with, and you are free to take your time. Think of the counsellor’s office as a judgement-free zone where you can share everything on your mind, regardless of whether it is a pressing issue or not. Lastly, do not forget to ask your counsellor questions about topics such as how the two of you will work together, the frequency and structure of the sessions, your schedule availability, and the general approach that they intend to take for you. You do not necessarily have to know things like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and other such concepts; what matters is that you understand your counsellor’s approach and decide if it best suits you.
Matching With The Right Counsellor Or Therapist Can Lead To Significant Mental Health Improvements
Therapeutic alliance, more commonly known as the quality of the relationship between counsellor and client, is one of the most important factors in improving the results of getting therapy. This essentially means that it is well worth the time and effort to search for the counsellor or therapist that you can easily connect and work together with. Finding the right therapist allows you to more easily trust them and naturally open up about your problems.
Encourage Troubled Loved Ones To Follow Your Lead In Seeking Professional Help
Admitting to needing professional help is no simple feat for most people, and your loved ones are no exception, especially when they still have difficulty acknowledging what they feel. Thus, encourage them to seek help in a non-confrontational manner when broaching the subject in events like family gatherings. A better approach would be to speak to them privately and ask them to be open-minded during the conversation. Take care not to rush and let them know more about what therapy is and what your experience has been like to set the groundwork for them. Avoid lecturing them but instead, hear out their thoughts and provide assurance that you will always be there to support them if they need help.
Conclusion
Troubles and hardships are one of the few constants in everyone’s lives. Dealing with these problems will not always be easy, and doing so may lead to issues that affect our mental well-being. Therefore, it is essential not to shy away from the idea of seeing a therapist if you need mental health support.
If you do not have a therapist yet, A Space Between can help you find the right mental health professional for you. We are partnered with many experienced private therapists specialising in dealing with issues like panic disorders, anxiety, depression, paediatrics, LGBTQIA+, and more. In addition, we offer convenient and private therapy rooms in Singapore where you and your therapist can seamlessly connect to resolve your mental hurdles. For more information on our services, head to https://aspacebetween.com.sg/ to find out more.
No matter what you’re facing, perhaps our website can offer up some solace or comfort. Know that you’re not alone, and that there is help available. This can be hard to keep in mind if you haven’t quite found the right support system. While it’s definitely not easy to find the right fit—whether you’re looking for a support group or a mental health provider—with diligence, it’s totally possible.
If you are a therapist, life coach or counsellor looking to join our growing community, head over to book a tour once you have learnt about the plans we offer. At A Space Between, there is a ready league of providers you can network with. With professionals from various backgrounds and therapy practices, there are bound to be the ones you can connect with. Private practice does not have to be lonely.
