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Psychological counseling
At some point in life, everyone may find themselves in a situation where confusion and uncertainty dominate, leaving them unsure of what is happening within or how to move forward. In such moments, we may need an impartial person the most—someone who listens and helps untangle the knots we’ve become stuck in. Sometimes, just a few sessions with a therapist can be enough to gain clarity, assess one’s situation, and decide how and where to proceed.
Seeking therapy does not automatically mean that there is something wrong with a person’s psyche or that they should be treated with medication right away. On the contrary, having the courage to see a therapist and analyze personal topics together is a sign of maturity—a willingness to find answers to one’s questions and move towards solutions.
When can it help?
Psychological counseling can provide support in a variety of situations. For example, when a person is experiencing anxiety, sadness, confusion, fatigue, or inner restlessness, and the reasons for these feelings are not immediately clear. Counseling can also be helpful during times of crisis—such as work-related stress, relationship problems, breakups, grief, parenting challenges, or feeling lost during life transitions.
Many people also seek counseling for personal growth—to better understand their behavioral patterns, increase self-confidence, or make clearer decisions. Counseling is especially valuable when there is a sense that personal strength or perspective is not enough to resolve a challenging situation alone.
How does it work?
The counseling process generally consists of individual sessions during which the client talks about their feelings, experiences, and thoughts, while the counselor listens, reflects, asks questions, and provides guiding frameworks when needed. A key part of the process is the trusting relationship between the counselor and the client.
The work can focus on a specific topic (e.g., decision-making, relationship issues) or take a longer-term, exploratory approach that supports a person’s overall self-awareness. Some counselors, in addition to conversation, may use various methods such as visual expression, role-playing, or body-focused awareness exercises. Counseling can take place in person, via video calls, or, in some cases, through written correspondence.
Contraindications
Psychological counseling may not be sufficient in cases where a person is experiencing severe mental health disorders, such as psychosis, severe depression with suicidal thoughts, or eating disorders that require more intensive and often medical intervention. In such situations, it is more appropriate to seek help from a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist.
Counseling is also not suitable if a person does not wish for change or is not ready to open up—counseling is a collaborative process that requires the participant’s active engagement and honesty with themselves.
Useful to know
Psychological counseling does not mean that there is “something wrong” with a person. On the contrary – it is a sign of self-care and a desire to live more consciously. It’s not about seeking quick fixes, but about engaging in a process that may lead to gradual yet profound changes. Often, just having a safe space to express one’s worries or questions is enough – this can open the door to a new perspective.
The frequency and duration of sessions depend on the topic and the individual’s needs. Some issues may become clearer within a few sessions, while others require a deeper, more extended exploration. All counselors are bound by confidentiality agreements – what is shared remains between the parties involved.
Interesting facts from science
Psychological counseling is based on evidence-based communication techniques and psychological theories, whose effectiveness has been repeatedly confirmed by scientific research. For example, studies have shown that simply being listened to with presence and without judgment can significantly reduce a person’s stress levels and support self-reflection. Moreover, the presence of an empathetic relationship between counselor and client is one of the most important factors for positive change, regardless of the methods used.
Neuroscience has also confirmed that self-expression and talking activate brain regions involved in processing emotions and self-regulation. This helps individuals better cope with challenging situations, improves decision-making abilities, and strengthens mental flexibility.
Sources
https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/counseling
