5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Counselling Sessions

Deciding to see a Christian Counsellor is courageous and commendable. Being vulnerable and humble in front of a person who does not know you can be both daunting, and liberating. Making the most of your counselling where you are able to heal, overcome difficulties, learn new skills, or work through emotional or relational pain and suffering, is possible when you fully engage in the work of counselling.

Here are 5 ways to make the most of your counselling sessions.

1. Prepare: Write down what it is that has brought you to counselling, what your goals are, and what change you need. If you’re experiencing symptoms you don’t understand, this is okay. Make a note of these so you can explore and find clarity and understanding when talking with your counsellor.

2. Persevere: Counselling is rarely a ‘one-off’ session for permanent change to occur. A commitment to counselling means to engage in the counselling process, which usually requires attending a number of sessions, anywhere from 3-12 sessions, or longer for more complex needs. When you find a counsellor you connect with and is experienced in your areas of need, where possible, book a few sessions at a time, to help you stick to the counselling process and give rhythm to your healing, progress and change. Be committed to the counselling process and persevere, to achieve lasting results.

3. Proactive: A professional Christian counsellor is trained and equipped to provide you with psychoeducation, tools and skills to practice between sessions, to facilitate healing and change. Being proactive in your counselling means to actively collaborate with your counsellor, and implement these new skills, tools and completing tasks relevant to your goals. Further ways to be proactive are learning about other people who have had success in overcoming the challenges you currently face, and surrounding yourself with people who can support you and keep you accountable through your counselling journey.

4. Process: Be processing in between sessions, allocating time for journaling and reflection.

5. Pray: Be prayerful and reading His Word. Jesus is your wonderful counsellor and healer, and speaks His truth through His Word. Scripture attests to casting all your cares, anxieties, pain, confessions and needs to Him, whom He responds with wisdom, grace, peace, love, forgiveness and comfort.