What is Counselling?
Mental health, like physical health, is equally important. Any illness, physical or emotional, can impact our quality of life. Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act and is crucial from childhood to adulthood.
What is Counselling?
Counselling can seem scary at first. The stigma around counselling arises from a lack of knowledge and understanding of seeking help for problems.
Counselling is a process of talking through our problems with a qualified person- Counsellor, Psychologist, Social worker who can assess and help you develop strategies, increase your self-awareness and promote positive mental health. Counselling can be short-term or long term and is confidential. There are limits to confidentiality when a psychologist or counsellor is concerned that you may be a risk to yourself or the wellbeing of others. Your psychologist will usually discuss these concerns with you before they report an issue.
If you feel you become overwhelmed easily by your problems, and it seems to be impacting your day-to-day life, you are encouraged to reach out to a professional. No issue is too big or small to get support. The key is, seeking help for your problem. Common difficulties people seek counselling for but not limited to are grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, abuse, trauma, and life transitions such as marriage, separation, having a baby.
Is it Expensive?
Seeking counselling can be expensive; however, most counselling is covered under Medicare for up to ten sessions a year, in Australia. You will need to visit your GP to receive a mental health care plan, to be referred to a psychologist for counselling. Alternatively, you may seek counselling through non-governmental organisations that provide counselling for any number of sessions at a lower cost.
Where do I start?
Reach out to your GP for support, as a first step. You can then look up the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) or the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and find a Psychologist in your area. There is also 24hrs counselling support available via Lifeline (13 11 14), 1800 RESPECT, Beyondblue (1300 22 4636) or Kids Helpline (1800 551 800). If you require immediate support, call 000.
