Counselling
What it is, and how I use it
What counselling is
Counselling, more than coaching, is focused on the client's inner world- the thoughts, feelings, and meanings associated with their experiences.
The inner focus has a few implications:
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Subjectivity matters more than objectivity. What a person experiences internally is more important than simple facts. In other words, what did the events discussed mean to the client?
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The conversation "direction" is down, not sideways. By "down," I meant into your mind, into your unconscious, to shine a light and make it conscious. It assumes that the client is discovering their inner world. Picture Alice dropping down the rabbit hole, unsure of herself, not knowing what to expect. In counselling, the rabbit hole is your mind!
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The goal of counselling is to understand and accept, rather than achieve an external goal. In my experience, understanding and acceptance remove a key obstacle to achieving external goals!
How I use counselling
When strictly counselling, I tend to ask questions like, “What was that like for you?” or “What did it mean for you when that happened?” which are questions focused on a client’s experience, rather than change-focused questions like, “How do you think you should respond to this challenge?” or “What’s the next step in managing the situation?”
Counselling is not “better” than coaching. It is a specific tool ideal for managing intense emotions. Before emotions can change, they must be heard in safety, with curiosity and openness. That’s what counselling is for!
Are you ready to move forward with counselling?
Click the "Book Here" button below to schedule a complimentary 20-minute inquiry call, during which we can discuss how the internally focused, exploratory approach can benefit you on your specific journey.