Frequently Asked Questions

The counselling environment is a contained space where you are welcomed warmly and authentically. The session lasts 51 minutes. The first session is an exploration session. You will spend half of the first session discussing your expectations with your counsellor. In the other half of the session, your counsellor will get to know you better and start building a plan. 

NUMBER OF CONSULTATIONS?

The counsellor will preferably see you once a week and will explain that they can only see you for a maximum of 12 sessions, but they may be able to extend these by an extra three sessions if approved within the organisation. Ultimately, it is about finding a timeline that works best for you and your personal circumstances.

CONFIDENTIALITY?

All your information is kept strictly private and confidential. However, information may be divulged if you give permission, or if you imply intent to hurt yourself or others, or if the court asks your counsellor directly for the information. Although confidentiality is not normally breached, certain circumstances may make this mandatory as specified above.

AM I CRAZY?

It's natural to feel that something may be wrong with you. Counsellors understand that you may feel vulnerable or even ashamed because of difficulties that you may be experiencing. This does not mean that you are crazy; in fact, there is actually no word for 'crazy' in any psychological literature. We all go through difficult times at one point in our lives or another. Your counsellor will help you contextualise your circumstances and assist with making sense or meaning from it.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LAY COUNSELLOR, A REGISTERED COUNSELLOR AND A PSYCHOLOGIST?

Registered Counsellors and Psychologist are both mental health care professionals who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Registered Counsellors have, at least, an Honours degree in psychology and Psychologists have, at least, a Master's degree in psychology, during which both types of professionals are provided extensive and high standard training and experience. A lay counsellor has completed a counselling course and has, at least, a diploma in basic counselling skills. Some lay counsellors have higher qualifications, and some may even be Registered Counsellors with the HPCSA. All lay counsellors are in supervision by a Psychologist and attend regular training. These three types of professionals all provide mental health support but the main differentiating component between them is the extent to which they can do this and the types of interventions they can use.

COUPLE COUNSELLING?

If you ask for couple counselling, you will not see the counsellor individually, but as a couple 'unit'. This could mean husband and wife, mother and son, two siblings, etc. The focus of couple counselling is on the relationship itself, and not the individuals in the relationship. Your counsellor will help identify critical aspects of the relationship that need work, for example barriers to communication or environmental problems.

ONLINE COUNSELLING?

You may choose to have online counselling sessions because you live far away or, maybe you just prefer to meet with your counsellor from the comfort of your own home. Your counsellor will discuss with you the easiest and most secure way to have your meeting, which might be Zoom, or Google Meet, or over WhatsApp video. The important thing is that the online meeting must feel like a comfortable and confidential space for you.

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