Therapy Mini: Let’s Talk About Counselling - What It Really Is (and Isn’t)
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens in counselling, this one’s for you.
Intro — Let’s be honest
The word “counselling” can make people nervous!
You might picture lying on a couch while someone silently nods and takes notes or maybe you worry it means something’s wrong with you.
The truth? Counselling is simply a space, one that’s just for you.
A space where you don’t have to be the strong one, the carer, or the person who “has it all together”, it’s not about being fixed; it’s about being heard.
What counselling actually looks like
In reality, counselling is just a conversation.
You talk, I listen. We explore what’s been feeling heavy or confusing, and together we make sense of it.
Sometimes that means looking back at things that shaped you.
Other times, it’s about what’s happening right now; stress, overwhelm, relationship struggles, or just feeling a bit lost.
It’s not always about big trauma; sometimes it’s simply about learning to breathe again when life feels too full.
It’s not about judgment or advice
A lot of people think counsellors tell you what to do, but that’s not really how it works.
My job isn’t to give advice. It’s to help you slow down, reflect, and find your own answers.
You’re still the expert in your own life.
I’m just here to walk alongside you while you figure things out, safely, without pressure, and at your pace.
Common myths I hear all the time
“I don’t need counselling — I should be able to handle this myself.”
You’re human. You don’t have to handle everything alone. Talking things through doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re ready for things to feel lighter.
“Counselling is only for people in crisis.”
Not at all. Many people come to counselling for self-understanding, confidence, or personal growth, not because something’s “wrong.”
“I wouldn’t know what to say.”
That’s okay. You don’t have to prepare anything. We start with whatever’s on your mind, even if it’s, “I don’t know where to start.”
What you can expect with me
When someone starts sessions with me, we begin by getting to know what’s been happening in your world... no rush, no pressure.
You can talk, cry, sit in silence, laugh, or just breathe. We’ll take it one conversation at a time.
And gradually, you’ll start to notice small shifts, more clarity, more self-compassion, more space to just be you.
Closing — An invitation
If you’ve been thinking about counselling but weren’t sure what to expect, I hope this gives you a clearer picture.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out, that’s what the space is for.
If something in this post resonated and you’d like to explore counselling with me, you can get in touch through my contact form here. I’d love to hear from you.
For Every Story | Therapy Mini Series
Therapy Minis are bite-sized blogs by Simone Bell of Simone Bell Counselling. Each post takes an honest look at the thoughts, feelings, and everyday experiences that shape us - because every story matters, including yours.