Individual Counselling

It is common for individuals to feel anxious about beginning individual counselling. Be assured, you will be supported throughout the process. Please ask questions and advise of specific concerns you may have.

Individual counselling is a process for treating mental health problems by talking with a mental health professional such as a Psychotherapist, Psychologist or Counsellor. The process supports adolescents and adults across a range of mental health issues. The goals of individual counselling are to develop a strong sense of trust between client and therapist facilitating open and honest communication; support the client to understand established thought and behaviour patterns; increase the client’s self-awareness of emotions and typical defence mechanisms and foster a strong internal structure to effectively manage feelings and emotions.

Counselling helps develop an understanding of mental health issue/s experienced as well as your moods, feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Counselling helps you gain control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills. Individual Counselling is conducted using a range of approaches. At VWM, evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person centred Therapy, Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) which encompasses Attachment Theory and Mindfulness are predominately used.

• Individual counselling can be helpful in treating most mental health problems, including:
• Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Individual counselling can also help with life stresses and conflict, including:
• Relationship and interpersonal issues to resolve conflicts with your partner or someone else in your life
• Improve self-esteem and self confidence
• Relieve anxiety, stress, or burnout due to work or other situations
• Support social isolation and loneliness
• Manage life transitions and adjustments, such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, moving to a new city or region, change or loss of job, unemployment, or death of a loved one
• Manage mid-life issues and challenges, such as illness, financial issues, career shifts, marital problems, adjusting to children leaving home (empty nest), becoming grandparents, preparing for late adulthood, and caring for aging parents or spouses

Individual counselling can be incredibly rewarding and often described as a ‘weight being lifted from your shoulders’. The approach and intensity of counselling is tailored to suit your individual needs. In the initial counselling session, a great deal of information is gathered about you and your needs. You may be asked to fill out forms relating to your current and past physical and emotional health. It may take several sessions to fully understand your situation and concerns and to determine the best approach. The initial session is also an opportunity to determine the suitability of the therapist and their ability to support you during the therapeutic process.

Individual counselling involves talking about your thoughts, feelings and issues being experienced. This can be challenging and emotionally uncomfortable at times, as painful feelings and experiences are explored. However, you will be supported through this process and with practice, this will become easier. Outside of sessions, activities or tasks may be recommended to build upon learnings in counselling sessions.