A frequently asked questions

What is psychological counselling?

Psychological counselling is a process where a qualified specialist with a master’s degree in psychology applies psychological knowledge and counselling techniques to help individuals constructively address life challenges, make appropriate decisions, and take responsibility for them.

When to seek a psychologist?

It’s worth consulting a psychologist when emotional difficulties or everyday problems start affecting your quality of life. This could include prolonged sadness, anxiety, stress, conflicts in relationships, or difficulties making decisions. A psychologist's assistance can also be beneficial if you wish to understand yourself better, strengthen emotional resilience, or explore new ways to overcome life’s challenges.

Can a psychologist help me?

Yes, a psychologist can assist in overcoming many emotional, psychological, and life difficulties. Psychologists specialize in helping people better understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. They can provide tools and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other life crises.

Psychological support is valuable for addressing serious challenges, personal growth and enhancing life quality. With a psychologist’s guidance, you can find new solutions, strengthen emotional resilience, and build self-confidence. It’s important to note that psychologists don’t offer ready-made solutions—they help you discover and implement them yourself.

When a psychologist can not help?

While psychologists are highly effective in many situations, there are cases where their assistance may be insufficient or unsuitable:

1. Medical Conditions Requiring Treatment
   Psychologists cannot directly treat mental health conditions that require medication, such as severe depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. In such cases, a psychiatrist’s help is necessary, though a psychologist can still provide valuable support.

2. Emergencies requiring immediate help
   If someone is in an acute crisis, such as experiencing suicidal thoughts or dangerous behaviour, psychological counselling might be too slow. Immediate intervention from emergency services or crisis centres is required.

3. Lack of willingness to collaborate
   If a person is unwilling to engage openly, work on themselves, or take responsibility for their actions, psychological help may not be effective. Counselling requires mutual cooperation.

4. Non-psychological issues
   Psychologists cannot resolve legal, financial, or other specialized issues unrelated to mental well-being.

In such cases, psychologists often refer clients to other professionals or institutions better suited to their needs.

What principles guide a psychologist’s work?

1. Confidentiality
   Psychologists must protect clients’ personal information and ensure privacy, except when there is a threat to safety.

2. Help and avoiding harm
   Psychologists are committed to ensuring their work benefits clients and avoids harm.

3. Professionalism
   They work within their competence, continually update their knowledge, and use evidence-based methods.

4. Respect for Individuals
   Psychologists honour clients' uniqueness, dignity, values, and rights.

5. Objectivity and Impartiality
   Personal biases or preconceptions must not influence the counselling process.

6. Responsibility
   Psychologists take accountability for their actions and strive to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

These principles help build trust and ensure ethical, high-quality support.

How to choose a psychologist?

1. Define Your needs
   Identify the issues or challenges you want to address, such as emotional difficulties, relationship problems, or self-discovery, to find a specialist in the appropriate field.

2. Check qualifications and experience
   Ensure the psychologist has the necessary education (a master’s degree in psychology) and practical experience in dealing with your concerns.

3. Connection
   Comfort and understanding are essential. After initial sessions, evaluate if the psychologist's style resonates with you and fosters trust.

4. Don’t hesitate to explore options
   If the first psychologist doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s okay to look for another. A strong personal connection is crucial for effective collaboration.

5. Evaluate methods used
   Assess whether the psychologist’s methods align with your needs and expectations.

Choosing the right psychologist is a personal process that requires thoughtful consideration, but finding the right match can lead to transformative results.