Starting your counselling journey
It’s important to know that if you’re experiencing these fears and doubts, you’re not alone. It is a big step to decide to open up to a stranger about challenges going on in your life. These struggles can be difficult to talk about, uncomfortable and triggering, and it is totally normal to feel overwhelmed and hesitant when deciding to open up about them.
Starting counselling with the knowledge that it’s not “one size fits all” is beneficial. For example, some individuals benefit most by learning how to explore the way they think about their life in order to change behavioural patterns. Others find exploring relationships with family, partnerships and friendships in order to identify and address issues helpful for what they’re looking to achieve out of counselling. There are numerous methods of therapy, the trick is to find a counsellor who can help you to identify which will work best for you.
Progress can be uncomfortable
When you start diving in, it’s normal to have feelings of discomfort and vulnerability, but know that this will get easier with time and as you strengthen your relationship with your counsellor. When I first started seeing my therapist, I was hesitant, closed off and sceptical. I was worried that she would judge me for the things I wanted to talk about and the experiences that I was going through. She reassured me that how I felt was normal and that she wasn’t there to judge me, but to listen and provide guidance when I wanted it.
During our time together, we explored various methods of therapy and eventually found one that worked really well for me. I have now been seeing my therapist for several years, and I can’t say enough amazing things about her. I trust her with all my thoughts, anxieties and insecurities. She makes me feel safe, heard and at home.
The end goal
My hope is that each person who is seeking counselling can find what I’ve found in my therapist. With her help, I’ve been able to reduce my anxiety, manage my struggles confidently on my own and strengthen my relationships (most importantly, the one with myself).
Ready to give counselling a try?
Visit our team page to read our counsellors professional profiles. Each of our masters level counsellors offer a free 30 minute consultation to see if they may be a good fit for you. Alternatively, you can access our booking page directly .
We’re always happy to help clients find the best fit counsellor for them. Our admin team can often suggest a counsellor for you based upon your unique needs. We can be reached at (250) 300-6860 or at hello@clarityokanagan.com.