Counselling Myths: What I have found through my work...

For those who don't know me, I am Jodi. I am a qualified Social Worker, Private Practice owner, Counsellor, Reiki Master, Sound healer, Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt. Just like you, I have many roles. However, underneath it all, I am human, and just like you I am trying to navigate my way through, this sometimes very harsh world.

Also probably like you, I have had many ups and downs in my life and times where I have felt so vulnerable I didn't think I could talk about my experience out of fear that I would break. I thought that if I opened that can of worms it just might not stop, I might break or not be able to cope with what comes out.

Through my work with clients, I have realised that I'm not the only one to feel that way, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to write about it and debunk some common myths people may have about seeking support through a counsellor.

Common myths

"Counselling is only for people with serious mental illness."

As a counsellor, I support anyone who is struggling to cope with emotional distress related to many areas in their life, such as anxiety, emotional regulation, parenting struggles, separation, relationship issues, bullying, struggling with boundaries, building self-esteem, childhood trauma, capacity building and NDIS, road trauma, depression, life transitions, carers, new jobs, work issues and imposter syndrome, addiction, family issues, undiagnosed disabilities and syndromes and the list goes on. Over the past 5 years in counselling, I have supported a diverse range of people and situations and many of the skills I teach, through a mix of evidence based and holistic practices have supported my clients to feel more balanced and able to cope with life's challenges.

"Talking to friends is the same as seeing a counsellor."

Many of my clients have come to me for support saying they don't want to burden their friends with their issues. They have said they felt like their issues were so consuming they just needed someone who was trained to support them to navigate the distress without judgment, unbiased and to provide some coping strategies.

"Counsellors will tell me what to do."

I have had many conversations where a new client has said "I'm not coming to be given medication". My role as a counsellor is not to give advice. I will help you explore your emotions and thoughts and empower you to make your own decisions. As a holistic counsellor, I believe in supporting mind, body and soul with the use of many modalities to support healing.

"Talking about my issues isn't going to fix anything, Counselling doesn’t work."

Counselling is backed by evidence-based practices and has helped millions. Change takes time, effort, and the right therapist, but growth is very possible. As a holistic counsellor I believe in utilising more than talk therapy to support change.

"You need to talk about your past all the time."

I completely agree. Sometimes exploring the past can be helpful. Somes times we need to go back before going forward. However, I like to explore your life as a whole to support you to deal with your present challenges and future goals. I think sometime people forget that they have all the power when seeking support, not the other way around. It is my belief that you are the expert in your own life.

"Only weak people need counselling."

Anyone that has accessed counselling support (including myself) knows how untrue this is. It is so scary to go be vulnerable and tell a complete stranger your inner truths. This takes a lot of strength to be raw, honest and vulnerable and continue to show up for yourself, while challenging societal and family beliefs about seeking support.

"Counselling takes forever and is so expensive."

My belief is that therapy takes as long as you want it to take. Private practice, unlike government services, allows the flexibility to access support "as needed". You may wish to have sessions fortnightly for a standards 6 sessions. You may only need four. You might be some one that enjoys feeling heard and validated and challenged and decide to come for ongoing support. This really is an individual preference and guided by you. This may not be how all services work. However, this is how I work. At the end of each session I ask, "would you like another appointment".

"All counsellors are the same."

I Completely disagree. There are "counselling degrees and diplomas, psychology degrees, coaches, and social work degrees. We are all trained differently, bring our individuality and life experience and life Lense with us and we all have different areas of practice we are more passionate or experienced in. It can take time to find the right fit for you, and I always tell my clients that I might not be your person and that's ok. It is important to find the right person you connect with so you can be as open as possible to be supported to move forward.

"I can't afford it."

There are many counselling services available with flexible payment options. As a private service, I don't take mental health care plans, which means you don't need to worry about getting a doctor's referral to book an appointment with me (yay).

As the owner and manager of my service I choose to offer flexible payment options to support you to be able to access my service. Although not a free service (I still need to pay my bills), I do offer a reduced fee that is very comparable to the Medicare system, without having to travel to Bunbury. I also offer online sessions, by request.

I hope this blog helps to reduce the stigma around seeking support for yourself or a loved one. I have been in some dark places throughout my life and accessed a range of therapies, some free, some paid and felt that they all had value and supported me through a long dark tunnel.

If you are wanting support, please reach out. You don't have to go through life alone. And who knows, it might actually be helpful.

x Jodi

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