Various Aspects of Psychological Counseling

In Soviet times, psychology was the science ofthat underground. All the problems a person had to solve either independently, or with the help of the party meeting 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 psychologicalcounseling, if we 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 psychological counseling session will help to solve once and for all all the 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 that werealized our needs and desires, our capabilities and potential. All the rest - including vital decisions such as divorce or marriage, the birth of a child or the separation of property - is beyond the scope of psychological counseling. We must carry out these steps only on our own. Similarly, a decision on whether to remain in the city or 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 psychologicalcounseling? 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 back so far,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 psychological counselingare 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 different 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 an outlet together.