What sets counselling apart from simply venting to a friend

Have you ever felt the need to share something only to feel like you weren't fully heard?

True listening is a skill, and while partners, friends, and family can offer invaluable support during tough times, sometimes we find ourselves in situations where our thoughts and feelings aren't fully understood.

That's because when our loved ones see us distressed, their instinct is often to immediately jump into problem-solving mode. They want to offer advice and suggest solutions, hoping to alleviate our pain and help us find a way forward.

What also happens is that they may begin sharing their own similar experiences and thoughts, inadvertently shifting the focus of the discussion onto themselves.

Worse sometimes is they are so distracted with their phones, or their own issues that we don't even feel like there is a point in sharing what we have on our chest.

We may also find ourselves holding back from fully opening up or expressing the true depth of our troubles due to fear of judgment, or because we don't trust the information will be kept confidential.

This can leave us feeling unheard, unseen and hinder our ability to fully explore our feelings, find clarity, and come up with our own solutions. It can also lead us to internalise our emotions rather than risk further dismissal which ultimately will keep weighing on us.

That's where counselling steps in.

It provides a safe, confidential, judgment-free space where you're the focus. No distractions, no advice giving—just you and a trained ear, guiding you to explore your thoughts and feelings so you can find clarity on your own terms.

What Counselling is:

• A safe and confidential space to express yourself without judgment where you can feel understood, accepted and respected.
• An opportunity to gain deeper insight into yourself by exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a trained professional.
• A collaborative process between you and your counsellor to explore and understand your challenges, recognise your strengths and develop supporting strategies to reach your goals.
• A chance to gain clarity into yourself and your relationships.
• An evidence based approach, back up by rigorous research.
• Flexible, adapted to your own unique values and needs.

What Counselling is not:

• A place where you'll be told what to do or how to live your life.
• Just for people with severe mental health issues; counselling is about empowering anyone through life challenges or any situations where you lack clarity.
• A sign of weakness, but rather a tool to find deeper clarity.

At Reconnected Self, I adhere to the "client-centered" counselling model, which is the core of all our integrative work.

This approach believes that when individuals are provided with a genuine, empathetic and non-judgmental space to express themselves authentically, that condition can be sufficient to create growth and healing. In essence, it recognises that each person is the expert of their own experiences, and our role as counsellors is to facilitate their journey towards self-discovery and self-actualisation.

Central to this approach is active listening and unconditional positive regard. We strive to truly hear and understand our clients' perspectives, without imposing our own judgments or agendas.

We honour each client's autonomy and agency, empowering them to make their own choices and decisions regarding their therapeutic journey.

In addition to our foundational client-centered approach, I integrate various modalities such as Kinesiology, Acupressure, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Somatic Experiencing when needed, to facilitate the integration and healing of specific past events or to reframe negative beliefs. This holistic approach allows me to further personalise the therapeutic process according to your unique needs and goals.

Counselling sessions are designed to help you explore and address a range of concerns or goals, including relationship issues, work stress, anxiety, grief, life transitions, self-confidence, and finding a sense of direction.

They can be conducted in person , online (over Zoom) or over the phone.

P.S: Want to know if counselling or any of my therapies is right for you?
Book a free 30-minute discovery session today.

Supplementary Information:

Kinesiology provides valuable insights into the body's energy flow and help uncover and address energetic blockages related to past traumas or unresolved emotions. By utilising muscle testing techniques, we can identify areas of imbalance and apply targeted interventions to restore harmony and promote healing.

Acupressure, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles, involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate tension, release stagnant energy, and promote overall well-being. Incorporating acupressure into our sessions can help regulate the body's energy pathways, nervous system and support the release of stored emotional or physical stress.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress or maladaptive behaviors. Through practical skills and strategies, CBT empowers you to reframe negative thinking patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms to navigate challenging situations.

Somatic Experiencing recognizes the interconnected nature of the body and mind and emphasizes the role of somatic (bodily) sensations in processing and resolving trauma. By cultivating awareness of bodily sensations and gently exploring felt experiences, Somatic Experiencing facilitates the release of stored tension and promotes a sense of safety and resilience.