What does change mean when it comes to counselling? If you are reading this, you may be contemplating going to counselling and you might want to understand the process with a bit more depth. Why should I go to counselling and what is it about counselling that can support me when it comes to changing particular parts/behaviours/perspectives in my life?

Change is something that is constant within our lives, despite the sometimes all-encompassing feeling or belief that we are “stuck” or “stagnant”.  Counselling can provide a space where change can be facilitated by different sets of skills inherent in talk therapy with a qualified therapist. Though change is not always linear and structured, counselling allows for a stable platform where change can be observed and directed which can increase our resources and readiness for change.

Change can present itself as gradual growth or a sudden occurrence demanding swift reorganisation of our thoughts, behaviours or emotional states. Counselling asks us to sit with and explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of situations and the role we play in it. It is important to acknowledge that change does not necessarily occur overnight and that there may be an oscillation between old and new patterns of behaviours. Critical life events, whether that be losing a loved one, a relationship or job, ask us to shift, change and grow. We can experience growth through deepening our understanding of the event(s) and reorganising our priorities,  exploring a deeper sense of connection in our intimate relationships and community, recognising our personal resilience, discovering new possibilities for ourselves and developing a sense of deeper meaning making. Sometimes we need to create our own meaning for events that feel inexplicable.

Change in counselling can simply be viewed as a shift in perspective to your current circumstances leading to acceptance and coping strategies for navigating your life. Change is not always a significant pivot of behaviours but a fine-tuning of how you experience your surroundings. Let’s explore what changes you might want to initiate in your life.

References

Harris, R. (2013). Getting unstuck in ACT: A clinician’s guide to overcoming common obstacles in acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, California. New Harbinger Publications.

Hayes, A., Laurenceau, J., Feldman, G., Strauss, J., & Cardaciotto, L. (2007). Change is not always linear: The study of nonlinear and discontinuous patterns of change in psychotherapy. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(6), 715–723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2007.01.008