Counselling at HeadWay

What is counselling or psychotherapy?

Counselling is the dialogue that happens between a professional and a client, with the goal of improving the client’s understanding of him- or herself. Counsellors help clients identify goals and possible solutions to problems that are causing difficulties in the client’s life. The goals often include improving communication; self-esteem; emotional control; change in behaviour and thoughts and hopefully improve overall health. There are many reasons that people seek out counselling. This includes coping with depression and anxiety; grieving the loss of a loved one; dealing with separation and divorce, coping with significant life changes and low self-esteem. Counselling can help other specific symptoms or life difficulty. Admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of the real strength that can only come from allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable and having the desire to better understand yourself is hard but also very rewarding. At first, opening up about your feelings might be difficult and emotional. But your therapist is there to listen non-judgmentally and confidentially. As you form a therapeutic relationship with your therapist, it will become easier to discuss your thoughts and feelings openly.

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Counselling generally refers to short-term consultation while psychotherapy typically refers to longer-term treatment. Counselling typically deals with present issues that are easily resolved on the conscious level whereas psychotherapy intensively and extensively examines a person’s psychological history.

What are some of the conditions helped with counselling?

  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement and Loss
  • Caregiver Burnout
  • Chronic Pain
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Major Life Changes
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Phobias and Fears
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • Relationship Difficulties
  • Stress

How long does counselling take?

The therapy proceeds at the client’s own pace and takes the time needed to help reach the identified goals of the client. Ideally, counselling stops when the problem has become more manageable or is resolved.

What are the different types of therapy?

There are a variety of different types of psychotherapy. Professional counsellors will consider your particular situation and preferences to determine your specific treatment approach.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Rooted in the belief that our thoughts and perceptions influence our behaviours, CBT works by helping clients identify, challenge and change the initial distressing thought that is maintaining the destructive behaviour.

For more information on CBT, read What is CBT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Helps you accept what is out of your control, and to commit to things that enrich your life

Mindfulness-based Therapy

Incorporates meditation and breathing exercised to help you understand and manage thoughts and emotions in the present moment.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Helps you improve the quality of your relationships and your interpersonal skills.

Supportive Psychotherapy

Helps you handle emotional problems through comforting, advising, encouraging, reassuring, and listening attentively.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Provides skills to help manage painful emotions. Goals are to decrease tension in relationships through mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance.

For more information on DBT, read What is DBT?

Couples Counselling

Helps couples solve problems they can’t resolve on their own.

For more information, read What is Couples Counselling?

Things to look for in a Therapist

  1. That they have recognized academic qualifications.
  2. That they adhere to a professional code of conduct.
  3. That they discuss certain issues with you upfront before any commitment is made to the sessions including:
    • counselling approach
    • confidentiality issues
    • fees
    • length of sessions
    • responsibilities to you
    • your responsibility to them

Who can benefit from our services?

We provide services to adults, adolescents and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, chronic pain, physical injury and brain injury.

Professionalism

All of our staff are part of a professional College to guarantee a high degree of competence and professionalism.

Confidentiality

Services are provided in a professional and confidential setting.

*There are limitations to confidentiality that will be discussed during your initial appointment