How Short is a Piece of String?

We sometimes hesitate about acting on a decision from fear of the unknown. We crave certainty so knowing sufficient detail before we launch into something new is healthy, natural caution. These points may help:

Contacting a counsellor comes with no obligation to make an appointment. You may choose to do this after assessing qualifications, experience (often available at the counsellor's website) and judging instinctively by the telephone conversation with a potential counsellor.

Attending a first appointment does not commit you to a second.

You may leave at any time, even during the first session if you are not comfortable or simply change your mind (depending on the counsellor a cost may or may not be incurred).

Your counsellor should be able to give you an idea of how long your involvement will be and costs should be specified. In my own case, I generally say that one or two sessions can be sufficient depending on the issue and the client. In longer work I expect to have a clear idea of progress by the third session. Beyond that I generalise that five sessions tends to be a useful working time (with the option to return should the client wish at some point in the future). I have on occasion seen clients for 10 and more session when the problem has been more complex, or when clients have moved through a number of issues.

People participating in counselling also need to be prepared to talk to the counsellor when they feel misunderstood or when they are not getting what they need. This makes it possible for you counsellor to explore this with you. You can then expect greater satisfaction. If this does not resolve the matter, you may be wise to go elsewhere, just as you would if you weren't happy with your butcher or doctor.

If you feel unable to raise issues with your counsellor, it is probably time to end the contact and go elsewhere.

After all, you are the focus of counselling, it is your call.

Regards, John Hunter

"Talking makes a great start"

John Hunter BSW (Distinction), MAASW (Accredited), MACA (Clinical)
Medicare Provider of Couselling, Melbourne CBD and Burwood East
Web: http://www.johnhunter.net.au/
Email: john@johnhunter.net.au
Telephone mobile: 0405 107 476, landline (03) 9539 2200.