Counselling myth #1 - it's the same as talking to a friend

It’s not. Even your best friend ever has their own agenda, their own point of view which they want to share with you. You’re there for your friends when they need you just as they are for you.  Friendship is a two way street – and it’s wonderful! In the counselling room, you won’t get to know your therapist in the same way that you know your friends and you don’t have to take care of him/her either. In that respect, it’s a one-way street; it’s all about you – how you feel, what you think, what you need. 

For 50 minutes a week, you need focus only on yourself. You are free to talk about any topic you choose even if it’s the thing you’re most ashamed of – the thing you can’t even tell your best friend. Because counselling is confidential, you can know for certain that what you say will not be repeated to anyone else. You can be completely, honestly yourself - you can remove the social mask that most of us use much of the time. 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Counselling Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Frome, Somerset, BA11
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Written by Caroline Le Vine
Frome, Somerset, BA11

Scary, isn't it, admitting you need some help and then having to find someone to help you?Making contact with a therapist for the first time is a brave step into the unknown and I welcome and applaud you for getting even this far down the track.  Most don't even make it here.  I very much...

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