Debunking the Myth: “Counselling Is Only For Mental Illness”
Over the past few months, I attended several events where I caught up with friends and family. There were conversations about how others were doing, what was happening in their relationships and workplaces, and how they were feeling about life.
As a psychotherapist, I always try to take off my counselling ‘hat’ outside of sessions. However, my passion for wellness and ability to notice patterns in behaviour is a bit harder to turn off! Sometimes this leads me to gently recommend that finding a therapist to chat with could be a great way to gain clarity about their problem.
Over the years, I’ve noticed some common reactions to this suggestion:
“I don’t need that! There’s nothing wrong with me.”
“It’s not that bad, I can handle it”
“I don’t want people to think that I’ve failed.”
“What if work/family/friends found out that I’m getting help?”
Being a therapist, I’m lucky enough to be mostly surrounded by those who have already shed the stigma around seeking support. These reactions serve as a reminder, however, that not everyone views counselling in the same light, despite the changing perceptions in society, and the biggest myth is that people believe counselling is just for people who are mentally ill.
On the contrary, the majority of my clients are not diagnosed with a mental illness!
Instead, they see me:
For support in difficult times, so that they can better understand themselves and their situation
To gain clarity for their road ahead
To understand their relationships better
When they feel lost in life, exhausted and depleted
If they’re struggling with transitions - such as moving away from a job that’s not good for them, towards a new role, into motherhood, a new relationship, a life without their children at home or into retirement
Life is hard, even without a mental illness.
You are deserving of support and care, even without a mental illness.
You are welcome here at Woven, just as you are, and completely deserving of care.
This is your place to finally rest, and have some space for you.
