What is Counseling?

Counseling is an interpersonal relationship between a therapist (the counselor) and a client, aimed at aiding the client in solving their problems of living.  It is a talking therapy, aimed at empowering the client, by increasing their sense of well-being while assisting them in solving the problem that troubles them.  A variety of techniques are used including dialogue, experiential relationship building, communication skills, and behavior change.

The types of problems that clients (individuals, couples, or families) bring to counseling are many.  But regardless of the details, there is always a perceived need to implement some kind of change, combined with the realization that some vital piece is lacking which prevents that change.  But the job of the therapist is not to provide what is missing!

Rather, the therapist helps the client to access their internal resources, and, if needed, to access tangible resources as well.  Once the client does so, the therapist provides support as they go through the process of identifying what is missing, obtaining it, and facilitating their change.

It is a dynamic process – living and evolving constantly.  It can be likened to a dance between the therapist and the client.  And at the end of the dance, the client emerges with improved mental and emotional clarity, as well as with improved relationships.