What Is Counselling?
Counselling is like having a safe and supportive space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and challenges without fear of being judged. It’s a space where a counsellor can help you understand your emotions, thoughts, and actions better.
Think of it like this—just as we go to a doctor when our body feels unwell, counselling is like a check-up for our mind and heart. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming, and emotions can get tangled up. A counselling psychologist helps you untangle those knots, giving you clarity and tools to handle stress, worries, or difficult situations in a healthier way. Counselling isn’t about giving advice or telling you what to do. Instead, it helps you discover your own answers, build self-awareness, and find better ways to cope with life’s ups and downs.
It can be helpful for all kinds of things—feeling anxious, overwhelmed in relationships, coping with grief, building self-confidence, or simply figuring out why you feel the way you do. Most importantly, counselling is a space where you are heard, valued, and supported. It’s a journey toward understanding yourself better and finding ways to cope with difficulties in a healthier way! If you’re unsure what to expect, this guide from the APA offers helpful information about what is counselling.
Who Is Counselling For?
Understanding and checking for how you’re doing mentally is the 1st step to knowing if counselling is for you. Some pointers that can serve as a checkmark include the following:
- changes in your sleep, diet, thought speed or interest in everyday life
- inability to put trust in self & others
- actions harmful to yourself or others
- stopped taking an interest in things you used to enjoy
- home, work, social or recreational life suffering
- feelings that are so big that they feel out of control
- feeling less connected to others & self – superficial relationships
- feelings of anger, panic, anxiety, frustration, or sadness get the better of you
- friends or family expressed concern or suggested that you talk to someone
- using substances, food, or drugs to feel better
- withdrawing from your social circle
- having a critical voice inside of you that makes things harder
- Repeatedly experiences & feeling unhappy in relationships
- feelings of overwhelm, helplessness or hopelessness
- difficulty in managing everyday tasks
- flashbacks and painful memories intrude on your thoughts
- feelings of shame, guilt, worry, or panic are a regular feature in your life
- feeling that your sense of worth depends on how much people like you
Please note: These are only some of the checkmarks provided, and do not represent an exhaustive list.
How Counselling Can Help
- Understand your emotions more clearly
- Develop healthier ways to cope with stress or painful experiences
- Build confidence and a stronger sense of self
- Improve relationships by working through patterns and communication issues
- Feel supported while making decisions or navigating change
- Make sense of past experiences and how they affect you today
Is Counselling Right For Me?
- Often feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained
- Struggle with stress, anxiety, or self-esteem
- Want support navigating grief, relationships, or identity
- Are curious about your patterns or inner world
You don’t need to be in crisis to seek therapy. Counselling can also be about growth, insight, and building resilience — helping you live more intentionally and in line with what matters to you. Learn about my approach to therapy here.
Still unsure? Book a consultation call to explore how counselling helps and whether it’s right for you.
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OFFER EMERGENCY SERVICES. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST HOSPITAL/HELPLINE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. HELPLINE NUMBERS: MANN TALKS (+91 8686139139) ICALL (+91 9152987821) VANDREVALA FOUNDATION (+91 9999666555)