It's Ok to Talk: A Beginner's Guide to Counselling

In a world that often feels overwhelming, many people seek support to help them navigate life’s challenges. Counselling is one of the most accessible and effective ways to gain clarity, cope with emotional difficulties, and foster personal growth. But what exactly is counselling and how can it help you?

What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a confidential, supportive process in which your counsellor helps you explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and life experiences. The goal is not to “fix” you, but to help you better understand yourself, develop coping strategies to deal with difficult situations and emotions, and make positive changes in your life.

Counselling can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. Here at Vibrant Minds Counselling, my approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and respect for each person’s unique life experiences and perspectives.

Should I see a Counsellor or a Psychologist?

The type of mental health professional you see really depends on your specific needs. While counsellors, psychologists and mental health coaches may offer overlapping services, there are important distinctions:

Counselling

Counselling generally focuses on supporting emotional wellbeing, relationships, and life transitions. Typically, counselling involves a client-centred, conversational approach that draws on a range of therapeutic techniques.

Psychology

Psychologists are typically more focused on the diagnoses and treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, or OCD.

Coaching

Mental health coaches often take a more future-focused and goal-oriented stance. Coaching programs are typically designed to help you optimise performance and achieve specific goals.

Who Should Go to Counselling?

So, who should go to counselling? My answer is everyone! There are a lot of myths out there that counselling is only for people in serious distress. Some people think counselling is only helpful if you have experienced a significant trauma or have a diagnosed mental health condition. In reality, anyone can benefit from counselling, including:

• People facing a specific challenge or decision

• Those experiencing ongoing mental or emotional distress

• Individuals looking to improve their relationships or communication

• Anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unfulfilled

• People who want to explore personal growth or self-understanding

• People who simply want someone to talk to about issues in their life, who isn’t biased or involved in their day to day

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to get support. Talking with a professional who offers empathy, perspective, and confidentiality can be valuable at any stage of life.

If you're asking yourself, “Is this bad enough to need counselling?”—that alone may be a sign it's worth exploring.

What Issues Can Counselling Help With?

If you’re still unsure if counselling is right for you, I've put together a list of common issues that counselling can help with. This list isn’t exhaustive and may not apply to every counsellor, as we all have our own niche and scope of practice. If your issue or concern isn’t on this list, it doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t work with you, it simply means I can’t list every issue a client may face in life in one blog post!

Here at Vibrant Minds Counselling, I offer counselling for a wide range of issues including:

• Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD

• LGBTQIA+ Related Issues

• Gender & Sexual Identity Exploration

• Chronic Pain & Chronic Illness

• Anxiety & Stress Management

• Depression or Low Mood

• Relationship Problems

• Grief and Loss

• Life Transitions

• Body Image Issues and Self Esteem

• Burnout and Work-Related Issues

• General feelings of being “stuck” or overwhelmed

Remember, you don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling—many people come simply to better understand themselves and live more fulfilling lives.

Starting Your Counselling Journey

So, you’ve decided to go ahead with your first counselling session. First of all, it’s totally normal to feel nervous! Starting therapy can feel like a big emotional step, and it’s okay if you’re not sure what to expect. Before you read on, take a moment to recognise that you’re already doing something brave just by booking a session (or even thinking about it). That in itself is part of the work. Take a few minutes to thank yourself—because showing up for your own healing and growth isn’t easy, and you deserve some appreciation for it.

The following section provides a brief overview of what will be discussed in your first session.

The First Session

Your first counselling session is all about setting the foundation for our work together.

The first session usually looks something like this:

• Step 1: Introductions and confidentiality: I will explain how sessions work and what’s kept confidential (and what isn’t, such as risk of harm).
  

• Step 2: Exploring your reasons for coming: We will talk about what brought you to counselling, even if you’re not exactly sure yet.
  

• Step 3: Goals and expectations: We will begin identifying what you’d like to work on or gain from the process (don’t worry if you aren’t sure yet, this is a fluid process, and you can always change your mind!).
  

• Important: A safe space: The session is non-judgmental and supportive—there’s no pressure to talk about everything right away.
  

• Next steps: If you choose to continue, we will discuss the frequency of your sessions and how we’ll work together in future.
  

Telehealth vs. In-Person Counselling

Here at Vibrant Minds Counselling I currently offer all sessions via a secure Telehealth platform.

Whether you're meeting face-to-face or through a screen, research shows that telehealth counselling is just as effective as in-person sessions^1,2. What matters most is that you find a counsellor you feel safe and comfortable with, and a format that suits your life.

For many people, online counselling offers greater flexibility and privacy, with no travel, no waiting rooms, and access from wherever you are. This is particularly true for disabled and neurodivergent folks, as online counselling is often far more accessible and requires less energy to attend.

Importantly, if you decide to try a session with me, you’re not locked in. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors for successful therapy, and it’s completely normal to meet a few different therapists before finding the right fit. You deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported, so take your time finding a counsellor who feels right for you.

Final Thoughts

Counselling is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a powerful tool for healing, clarity, and change. Whether you're navigating a tough time or simply curious about your inner world, talking to a professional can provide support, perspective, and relief.

Interested in booking a session or learning more about how counselling can help you? Email me at info@vibrantmindscounselling.com.au to book your first session today.

References

1. Bulkes NZ, Davis K, Kay B, Riemann BC. Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults. J Psychiatr Res. 2022 Jan;145:347-352. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.003.

2. Snoswell CL, Chelberg G, De Guzman KR, et al. The clinical effectiveness of telehealth: A systematic review of meta-analyses from 2010 to 2019. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2021;29(9):669-684. doi:10.1177/1357633X211022907