Counselling is a wide-ranging specialization that empowers individuals through a relational and collaborative process by facilitating change through assisting others experiencing difficulties, to promote and enhance positive growth and well-being. This process is characterized by the application of psychological principles that are utilized to best suit the client’s needs.

 

Counselling involves taking a complete perspective of the individual, couple, family, or group’s concerns, and together formulating a plan for how to address these topics. The therapeutic relationship is created in a respectful and accepting environment from which the individual feels no judgment and the ability to be authentic in sharing their story. The choice of approach and technique of counselling is dictated by the specific needs and goals of the individual, while also considering who the counsellor is as a person, their unique values, beliefs, and perspectives. This is why finding a good match between the individual and counsellor is an important factor when seeking counselling. One of the parallel's used to describe this process, stresses that finding a counsellor is like finding a good fitting pair of jeans; suggesting that it is encouraged to ‘counsellor shop’ before you settle into a therapeutic relationship that you do not feel comfortable in.  

 

The change process in counselling is one that many misunderstand. The basis of change stems from the individual’s willingness to take action and follow through with the ideas and collaborative suggestions that the client and counsellor come up with. The counsellor can provide a roadmap for how to arrive to the client’s desired destination, however, it is up to the client to prepare for the road trip, pack accordingly, and take the journey. All-the-while anticipating a few bumps in the road and breakdowns along the way, which the client may call on the counsellor for assistance in returning to the journey as soon as possible. 

​

Overall, counselling begins with a human connection that empowers an individual to make a change. No client is looking for the same thing from his or her time spent in counselling, but typically decides to attend counselling because something in them wants to make a change. To find a better way to live, to feel better in general, or having arrived in a place that help is needed to overcome adversity, are only a few reasons why individuals seek out counselling services. Together, we can address these concerns and form a plan to move forward and explore the inner workings of an individual, through discovering strengths, taking supported risks, face long standing fears, and flourish to your personal potential.