Various Aspects of Psychological Counseling

In the Soviet era, psychology was almost an underground science. All the problems a person had to solve either independently, or with the help of party meetings or the Komsomol cell. Relative novelty of psychological counseling - public and diverse - has contributed to people starting to address their internal conflicts with specialists. Nevertheless, unlike the West, this branch of science and services is still in its infancy.

How can a psychologist help?

What are the pros and cons of psychological counseling, if we take a look at this through the eyes of the man in the street? The advantages are obvious only for the unsophisticated. They believe that a successful session of psychological counseling will help to solve once and for all all personal problems of this person, and consequently - will make him "livable" and "positive." However, working with a "connoisseur of souls", even having a university education and academic degree - is a long process. In addition, in most cases - expensive. One session of psychological counseling can cost about a hundred dollars. At the same time, the results - in any case, from the point of view of everyday life - are very doubtful. For example, we are going to a consultation to solve problems in partnership. But at the same time the psychologist can not - simply has no right - to give us specific advice. The only thing that he can help is for us to realize our needs and desires, our capabilities and potential. Everything else - including vital decisions, such as divorce or marriage, the birth of a child or the separation of property - remains outside of psychological counseling. These steps we must perform only on our own. Similarly, a decision on whether to stay in a city or a country or emigrate, whether to change jobs or occupation. This is only our personal prerogative. No one for us will make an important decision. No psychologist can unequivocally say that this output will bring certain results. The only thing that he can do is show the inner contradiction of every decision or deed. The final choice is made by the person himself.

What are the disadvantages and problems of counseling? Many of us will find it extremely difficult to "open up". That is, to talk about what is bothering us, why and what feelings we are experiencing in connection with our situation. After all, these aspects of psychological counseling relate mainly to what we have "inside". Often these problems are pushed so far away that we ourselves can not voice them. And what can you say about a person - even a specialist - who sees us first or second time in your life. He can only guess about many problems or painful points. The decision itself must come from ourselves. Therefore, it is simply necessary to conduct a deep work with oneself.

What types of counseling are available for an ordinary citizen? First of all, individual assistance within the framework of various programs. Consultations in this case last, usually about an hour, and the main task of the psychologist will be to listen to the client and try to understand which problem aspects of the character and life position should be worked on. Group exercises, although they are used in various psychotherapeutic centers, are not suitable for everyone. Many people resort to a correspondence consultation. In this case, an ideal solution can be a chat or helpline, where you can anonymously discuss your problems with a professional and look for a way out together.