Finding a Counsellor

There are many types of therapeutic schools. There is talk therapy, where you talk about your experiences and express your feelings. There are counsellors who use this approach and/or incorporate massage, breath work, body-work, movement, or role playing. Some counsellors use art, writing, or theatre. Others use hypnosis. Counselling and therapy may be done on an individual basis, with just you and the counsellor, or in a group. Groups are generally made up of people experiencing the same sorts of problems as each other, and a counsellor or facilitator.

Be willing to do a fair amount of work to find a counsellor - you don’t have to go to the first person you find. Speak to prospective counsellors on the phone. Consider their orientations and approaches, how you feel when you talk to them, and the cost. Ask questions to find out more about how they work. It is ok to ‘shop around’ until you find someone you feel happy about working with. Remember that you are employing them.

Some examples of questions you might like to ask a prospective counsellor could be:

• Do you support dieting?
• Have you ever worked with people with eating issues? What kind of training do you have in this work?
• How do you work with people with eating issues? What are the techniques you use?
• What do you think are some of the contributing factors in developing issues around food and body image?
• Do you think self-help/support groups are useful for people with eating issues?
• How much do you charge? Do you have a sliding scale of fees?
• Do you have experience in working with lesbian women, sexual abuse, men with eating issues, alcohol related issues, relationship issues? (or any issue that is relevant to you.)

What does effective counselling feel like?

Counselling and therapy are methods designed to assist and support people to heal from past experiences, strengthen their access to resources, have more options, and develop alternative ways of coping. In general counselling and therapy can enable you to have a more satisfying life. Within the counselling relationship you should feel understood and supported, and there should be a feeling of warmth between you and your counsellor. Counselling may not always feel comfortable, but you know when you’re with someone who is right for you when you feel you are developing more skills to heal yourself as time goes on. You become able to recognise your own patterns and to feel, interpret and express your emotions. As time goes on you may look to develop more independence. You should feel that you are at the center of your own process. You should feel supported but also extended and challenged.

If you would like information about counsellors working with eating difficulties in the Auckland region please contact EDEN and ask for a copy of our counselling directory.