WHAT IS COUNSELLING ALL ABOUT?
What kind of things can I discuss with a counsellor?
Anything. Clients come along to discuss and work on a diversity of issues. For example, work, relationships, sexuality, bereavement, parenting and fertility are some of the issues. Many clients wish to explore their feelings regarding issues of personal inadequacy, anger, depression, anxiety and unhappiness. Others realise that their lives are being affected negatively by their excessive use of drugs, alcohol, food or sex and are seeking help to change this behaviour. Some clients have undergone traumatic experiences - either in the past or quite recently and they wish to discuss these experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Counsellors see many people who have been sexually abused, bullied or who have been involved in traumatic situations and they are able to help clients deal with the long-term consequences of these events. A great many people come into counselling to help them deal with relationship difficulties. The most common problems are to do with lack of effective communication, the discovery of infidelity and/or sexual problems. They may come with their partner or by themselves.
How will I be counselled?
For an individual, counselling sessions are usually 1 hour in length. For couples, sessions may be longer. Usually the sessions are held at weekly intervals but if a client is in crisis or is feeling suicidal the sessions may be more frequent. All sessions are confidential and they will continue until the client has achieved the goals that they wish to attain, until they have dealt with the issues that are causing them distress or they have learnt more effective ways in which to deal with their feelings.
If my problem concerns a relationship, must my partner also be willing to seek help?
No. Counsellors will see whoever comes; even when people feel the whole difficulty lies with the other person it is often useful to talk things over confidentially with a trained counsellor. A different perspective and some new ideas on a different way of problem solving can prove a turning point towards a more satisfying relationship.
Will I ever be advised by counsellors to separate or divorce?
Counsellors do not take it upon themselves to decide whether a client should separate from their partner or not. Their job is to help the client/clients explore all the alternatives so that the client/clients can decide for themselves the best course of action. Sometimes clients come for counselling to help repair their relationship but find out during the counselling sessions that their expectations are very different and that the relationship is irrevocably damaged and cannot be repaired. In these cases, the counsellor would then focus on helping the couple to adapt themselves to the new situation with a minimum of bitterness, hostility and guilt. This can help their overall adjustment as well as other family members, i.e. children or parents. Counselling can provide positive support during what is almost always an extremely painful period in a couple's life.
Where would I be counselled?
Suite 501, Ruttonjee House
11 Duddell Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel. (852) 2523 8979 Fax (852) 2845 7352
