Starting counselling is a courageous step towards personal growth and healing. But once you’ve committed to the process, you may find yourself wondering, “How do I know if counselling is working for me?” Counselling can be a transformative experience, but the signs of progress aren’t always obvious or immediate. Let’s explore what kind of progress you can expect and how to tell if counselling is effective for you.
What Progress Looks Like in Counselling
Progress in counselling is deeply personal and can vary significantly from person to person. However, there are some common indicators that you’re moving in the right direction:
1. Increased Self-Awareness
One of the first signs that counselling is working is a heightened sense of self-awareness. You may begin to notice patterns in your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. This awareness is a crucial step towards making positive changes.
2. Improved Emotional Regulation
If you find yourself better able to manage overwhelming emotions or recover more quickly from challenging situations, it’s a clear sign of progress. Counselling often equips you with tools and techniques to cope with stress, anxiety, or sadness more effectively.
3. Changes in Perspective
Counselling can help you reframe how you view your challenges, relationships, or yourself. If you notice a shift towards more balanced, compassionate, or constructive thinking, this indicates growth.
4. Behavioural Changes
Progress may show up as tangible changes in your actions. For example, you might set healthier boundaries, pursue meaningful goals, or respond to conflict in a more constructive way.
5. Improved Relationships
Healthier communication and deeper connections with others often emerge as a result of counselling. You might notice that you’re more empathetic, assertive, or willing to engage in honest conversations.
6. Feeling More Hopeful
A sense of hope and resilience can be a subtle yet powerful sign that counselling is making a difference. Even small moments of optimism are worth acknowledging as part of your progress.
What Kind of Progress Can You Expect?
Counselling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and progress may look different depending on your goals and the type of counselling you’re receiving. Here’s what you can generally expect:
• Gradual Change
Progress in counselling tends to happen gradually. Some sessions may feel transformative, while others might seem less impactful. It’s important to trust that each session contributes to your overall growth, even if the changes are subtle.
• Setbacks Are Normal
Healing isn’t linear. You might experience setbacks or feel stuck at times. These moments can be frustrating but are often part of the process. They provide opportunities for deeper exploration and growth.
• Deeper Understanding Before Action
In the early stages of counselling, much of the focus might be on understanding the root causes of your struggles. Behavioural or situational changes often come later as you develop insights and strategies.
How to Tell If Counselling Is Effective for You
Here are some ways to assess whether counselling is working for you:
1. Reflect on Your Goals
At the start of counselling, you likely identified specific goals. Periodically revisiting these goals can help you measure progress. Are you moving closer to where you want to be? Even small steps forward are significant.
2. Check in with Yourself
Take time to notice any shifts in how you feel, think, or behave. Do you feel more empowered, supported, or equipped to handle life’s challenges? These are strong indicators of effectiveness.
3. Evaluate Your Relationship with Your Counsellor
The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the success of counselling. Do you feel comfortable, understood, and supported by your counsellor? If so, you’re in the right environment for growth.
4. Ask for Feedback
Don’t hesitate to ask your counsellor for their perspective on your progress. They can offer insights into the changes they’ve observed and help you identify areas to focus on.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, you are the expert on your own experience. If counselling feels helpful and meaningful to you, it’s likely working. Conversely, if you feel stagnant or disconnected, it may be time to reassess your approach or discuss adjustments with your counsellor.
What If It Doesn’t Feel Like It’s Working?
If you’re questioning whether counselling is effective, it’s important to address these concerns. Start by discussing them openly with your counsellor. Together, you can explore what might be contributing to your feelings and adjust your approach if necessary.
In some cases, it might be worth considering a different counsellor or therapeutic style. Building the right therapeutic relationship and finding a method that resonates with you can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Counselling is a deeply personal journey, and progress often comes in unexpected ways. Increased self-awareness, improved relationships, and greater emotional resilience are just some of the signs that counselling is working for you. Remember, healing takes time, and setbacks are a natural part of growth. Trust the process, communicate openly with your counsellor, and celebrate even the smallest steps forward. Your well-being is worth the effort.
If you’d like to book a counselling session, you can book an appointment here.