Is Counselling Right for Me? Common Myths and Honest Answers
Many people think about counselling for a long time before they actually reach out. This hesitation often comes from misunderstandings about what counselling is, who it is for, and what it says about you if you decide to get support. This post looks at some common myths and offers a calmer, more realistic view, so you can decide whether counselling might be right for you.
Myth 1: “Counselling is only for people in crisis”
A lot of people believe you have to be at breaking point before you “qualify” for counselling. In reality, many clients come because they feel stuck, flat, overwhelmed, or know something is not quite right but cannot put their finger on it yet. Counselling can help both in crisis and before things get that far, by giving you space to explore what is going on and what you need.
Myth 2: “I should be able to cope on my own”
This is one of the most powerful beliefs that keeps people out of the therapy room. You may have learned to be the strong one, the listener, or the problem‑solver for everyone else, and it can feel like a failure to admit you are struggling. Wanting support does not mean you are weak; it means you are human, and you are noticing that the way you have been coping is no longer working as well as it used to.
Myth 3: “Talking won’t change anything”
If you have tried “talking it out” with friends or family and still feel stuck, it is understandable to wonder what difference counselling could make. Counselling is different from everyday conversations: it is structured, confidential, and focused entirely on your experience, without advice‑giving or judgments. Over time, that kind of focused attention can help you see patterns more clearly, express things you have been holding in, and experiment with new ways of responding.
Myth 4: “The counsellor will tell me what to do”
Some people avoid counselling because they are worried they will be told how to live their life or pushed into decisions they are not ready for. A core part of counselling is respecting your autonomy: you remain in charge of your choices, and you can always say if something does not feel right for you. Rather than giving orders, a counsellor will sit alongside you, helping you explore options and clarify what matters most to you.
Myth 5: “My problems aren’t bad enough”
It is common to minimise your own struggles, especially if you compare your life to others who seem to be “worse off”. You might tell yourself you should be grateful, or that other people need help more than you do. But if what you are dealing with is affecting your sleep, your relationships, your mood, your work, or your sense of yourself, then it is valid – and you are allowed to seek support.
How to know if counselling might help you
Counselling might be worth considering if you notice any of these:
- •You feel stuck in the same patterns, even when you “know better” in your head.
- •You are often overwhelmed, numb, or on edge, and it is starting to affect your daily life.
- •You would value a space that is just for you, where you do not have to look after anyone else’s feelings for a while.
You do not have to be sure counselling is “right” before you try it; the first few sessions are often about gently finding out.
If you’re wondering whether counselling might be right for you, you can get in touch via my contact form to ask any questions or arrange a brief initial call to explore whether working together feels like a good fit.