Counselling at BetterPlace
What is counselling?
Counselling typically refers to short-term, solution-focused interventions aimed at addressing specific issues or concerns, such as stress management, relationship problems, or career transitions. It often focuses on providing support, guidance, and practical strategies to help individuals cope with certain challenges.
Does counselling really work?
Counselling has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving coping skills, enhancing relationships, and increasing self-awareness and personal growth. However, the effectiveness of counselling may vary based on factors such as the individual’s readiness for change, the relationship with the counsellor, and the consistency of attendance and engagement in counselling sessions.
Are counselling and therapy the same thing?
Counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Counselling usually refers to short-term, solution-focused interventions aimed at addressing issues like stress management, relationship problems, or career transitions. Therapy, on the other hand, may involve longer-term interventions focused on exploring deeper emotional issues, resolving past traumas, or changing thinking and behaviour patterns.
What are some important questions to ask a counsellor during an appointment?
During an appointment with a counsellor, you can ask where they were trained, what approach they follow, and if they have treated others with your condition. You can also ask about session frequency and structure, methods for tracking progress, and how you can incorporate what you’ll discuss during sessions into your daily life. Lastly, you can ask about additional support services, confidentiality policy, and back-up plans if counselling doesn’t meet expectations.
Compassionate care from trusted Counsellors
Experts at BetterPlace are highly trained mental health professionals who have treated over 50,000 patients with a range of conditions.
- Depression
- ADHD
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia
- Agoraphobia
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Binge Eating
What makes BetterPlace 'better' for you?
We believe mental healthcare should never be one-size-fits-all. We have built an end-to-end care model that is evidence-based, and adapts to the needs of you and your loved ones.
Focused yet flexible
Whether you’re looking for individual, family, couple, or group therapy — we offer a range of treatment options that can be customised to your needs and help you get through different situations, no matter how difficult.
Short-term and long-term options
Whether you're seeking brief, solution-focused counselling or long-term support, we offer flexible counselling options to ensure you receive a level of care that best suits your needs.
Educative, non-judgmental environment
In addition to counselling sessions, we offer simplified psychoeducation to help deepen your understanding of what’s really bothering you. The more you know about your issues, the better you can fight them.
Skill-building and coping strategies
Along with psychoeducation, our counsellors also teach you some practical skills, tools, and coping strategies that will help you navigate life’s various challenges more effectively and consistently.
Visiting BetterPlace? Here’s what to expect
Every person is different. And so is every care journey. But our process is consistent.
Initial Intake Session
A 45-minute introductory session with a clinical psychologist so we can get to know you better
Psychologist briefs Doctor
A 15-minute break while your psychologist discusses your detailed history with our in-house psychiatrist
Have a 1:1 with an Expert
Speak to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist - depending on what works for you - to get your personalised treatment plan
Begin your Treatment
Your care at BetterPlace begins with regular progress tracking and continuous support
Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute
Visit our Experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Counsellors can assist with a variety of common mental health issues. These include anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. They also provide support for depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. Additionally, counsellors offer assistance with relationship issues, stress management, grief and loss, and adjustment disorders.
Counsellors do not have the authority to prescribe medication. Their focus is on providing counselling and psychotherapy to help individuals address mental health concerns. They often work with psychiatrists and other mental health specialists to ensure comprehensive care for clients, which may include medication management when appropriate.
Common misconceptions about counselling include the belief that it’s only for severe mental health issues or crisis situations. Counselling is also sometimes seen as solely about giving advice, or as a sign of weakness. However, counselling is beneficial for a variety of challenges since it provides support, guidance, and a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings.
The duration of treatment with a counsellor varies depending on individual needs and the nature of the concerns being addressed. Some may find relief or achieve their goals in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term counselling. Treatment length is determined collaboratively between the counsellor and the client, taking into account the severity of the issue, progress made, and the individual’s preferences and resources.
If you find that you don’t connect with your counsellor, it’s important to address this openly and honestly. Your counsellor may offer insights or adjustments to the therapeutic approach to better meet your needs. If, despite that, you still don’t feel a connection, it’s okay to seek a different counsellor. The most important thing is to find a counsellor with whom you feel comfortable and supported, as this can greatly improve the effectiveness of counselling.
It’s normal to wonder if counselling is necessary, but it can be beneficial for anyone facing emotional challenges or wanting to grow on a personal level. Counselling provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings with a trained professional. Ultimately, the decision to pursue counselling is personal, and it’s okay to seek help when needed.
