What’s the Point of Counselling Anyway? Inside a Counselling Session

This is a huge question. There are so many different types of support out there and different methods offering help, so how do you decide which kind of counselling session is right for you?

What Happens in My Counselling Sessions

Hi, I’m Carrie. I joined Sheffield Wellness Centre in May after working with several support modalities for over 20 years. My varied training and, crucially, my experience over that time has given me this belief:

When humans sit together and a compassionate ear is offered, without judgment, then over time a wonderful thing happens. You, my client, can connect to a deeper wisdom inside. That is the true value of a counselling session.

The Ingredients That Matter

For a counselling session to work, certain ingredients are essential. These include:

• Compassion
• Empathy
• No judgment
• A safe space where you can say what is on your mind

This is founded on the idea that you know yourself better than any therapist can. Sometimes clouds of confusion get in the way of your clarity. Because of upbringing or societal expectations, we may turn to the opinions of others, assuming they are the experts. I want to empower clients to connect within and lead their own lives.

The Role of the Counsellor

At this point you may wonder: what is the point of the counsellor, if they aren’t using their knowledge to tell you how to change your life? The truth is, people often don’t change because of advice. They may be influenced or opened up to new ideas, but ultimately, change needs to come from within.

Support can look different for everyone and varies depending on a person’s needs. It can be hard to put into words what happens between client and counsellor in the counselling session. But the skills of compassion, empathy and non-judgment create acceptance, and from that acceptance, change becomes possible. Unlike friends or family, counsellors are focused solely on you, the client, and are not emotionally involved.

My Integrated Approach

I use my skills to provide clients with an integrated approach. This might include:

• Techniques to manage anxiety
• Ways to build resilience
• Helping you connect with your body to notice where tension or trauma is stored

Learning to connect in this way can be the beginning of healing and self-acceptance. When you feel safe and accepted in a counselling session, and begin to feel that way about yourself, it can open up a different way of relating to the world. From there, change can take place.

If you would like to book a counselling session with Carrie Meadows, you can view her full profile and get in touch through the Sheffield Wellness Centre website. Carrie offers a safe, compassionate space to explore challenges and begin the process of change in Sheffield.