Counsellors
New Zealand Counsellors
Counselling can help with many life issues, from depression and anxiety to grief, trauma or lack of direction. New Zealand counsellors offer a professional service, listening, offering guidance and providing support. Read on to find out more about NZ counselling.
The NZS.com New Zealand counsellors article contains information on finding an NZ counsellor and mental health treatment through counselling, psychotherapy and psychology services in New Zealand.
During times of life change, grief, depression and struggle, it can be useful to visit a New Zealand counsellor. Talking with a professional who has some distance from your life and personal circumstances can help you deal with issues both past and present, without fear of judgement. A New Zealand counsellor won't tell you what to do, but they will be able to offer you constructive advice, support and a listening ear. Here are some quick FAQ's for first-timers:
Will it be hard to talk to a stranger about my life?
One of the most common concerns for those who have never had counselling, is the fear of talking about their private life with a stranger. Try not to think of your NZ counsellor as a stranger, but as an objective, compassionate person who will listen as a professional. Once you've got over any initial nerves, it can actually be easier to talk to someone you don't know, because:
- They aren't involved in your life
- They can see your life objectively and may be able to make conclusions about your relationships and behaviours
- They will keep all information confidential
- They will let you talk about anything and everything that is worrying you, no matter how small or unimportant you think it may seem
Is there something wrong with me if I visit a counsellor?
Many people see themselves as weak, ill or too emotional if they consider talking to a counsellor. Getting counselling doesn't make you any of these things; it's simply talking with a professional about what's going on in your life. Everyone goes through difficult life experiences and changes. At these times, a counsellor can help you gain a better understanding of your current situation, allowing you to work through any issues and move forward. By making the decision to talk about a problem with a counsellor, you've made the first step towards dealing with the problem.
Are all counsellors the same?
No, New Zealand counsellors work in different ways, depending on their background and any specialised area of practice. Their qualification may be in psychology, psychiatry or psychotherapy. Each counsellor will have a different way of working and a slightly different structure for the counselling session. However, all counsellors should:
- Listen to you
- Respect what you say
- Let you explore how you feel, behave or recall events
- Support you in making positive life changes
Can I shop around for the right NZ counsellor?
It’s important that you find a counsellor who makes you feel comfortable and able to speak freely. Call to talk with counsellors before making an appointment and think about your own preferences for a counsellor: male or female; religious; available after usual working hours; specialised? Also consider how much you can afford to pay, as rates vary.
When you have decided on your preferences, call a range of New Zealand counsellors and ask about their practices. Once you've found a suitable match, arrange an appointment time – by the end of this session, you should have some idea of whether you and the counsellor are a match.
All counsellors should be professionally trained, so you may want to ask about their qualifications and experience. Those who belong to the NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors) or the NZAP (New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists) are required to maintain professional standards of conduct. You can also make a complaint through either of these organisations.
How much will it cost?
The cost of visiting a counsellor varies from one practice to the next. Remember though, low cost doesn't necessarily mean low quality – there are many community organisations and private practices which offer affordable or free counselling in New Zealand.
What am I going to get out of NZ counselling?
Counselling helps people in all kinds of different ways, but don't expect miraculous or instant results. Good counselling will assist you in making changes in your life, attitudes and behaviours. You may find:
- Your feelings change
- Your behaviour changes
- Your relationships with others improve
- You feel more confident in making decisions
- You have increased self-esteem
Talking to a New Zealand counsellor is a positive step if you feel unsure about the direction of your life, have unresolved issues or are going through a difficult time. People visit counsellors for all kinds of reasons: depression, anxiety, the death of a loved one, lack of direction in life, or simply because they need to talk to someone who will listen without judgement. No one should feel alone with their problems: visiting a counsellor will allow you to share issues and find solutions for positive life change.
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand counsellors in the NZS.com directory.
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