What is psychological counselling?
Psychological counselling is a talking therapy in which a trained professional helps you understand and cope with a current difficulty: a stressful situation, a decision, a relationship problem, a period of change or emotions that feel hard to manage. It is usually focused on the present and on what you want to change, and it is often shorter than long-term psychotherapy, from a few sessions to a few months.
Counselling offers a confidential space where you are listened to without judgement. The counsellor or psychologist helps you put words on what you are going through, see the situation more clearly, mobilise your own resources and find practical ways forward.
What counselling can help with
- Stress, anxiety and low mood
- Life transitions and adjustment difficulties, including moving to a new country
- Relationship issues, separation and family conflict
- Grief and loss
- Work stress and difficult decisions
- Self-esteem and loneliness
Counselling for people living abroad
Expatriation brings specific challenges: culture shock, the loss of a familiar support network, a partner who followed for a job, children adapting to a new school, working in a second language, or the feeling of belonging nowhere. Talking with a counsellor who understands international life, and who speaks your language, can make a real difference. Our network brings together therapists who work with international clients every day.
What to expect in sessions
The first session is mostly about getting to know each other: what brings you, what you would like to change and how you usually cope. Together you agree on goals and on the number and rhythm of sessions. Over the following meetings, the counsellor helps you explore the situation, understand your reactions and test new ways of thinking and acting. Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes and take place weekly or every two weeks, in person or online.
- Clarifying your goals and your current situation
- Understanding the patterns and triggers behind the difficulty
- Practising tools and strategies between sessions
- Reviewing progress regularly and adjusting the plan
Counselling, psychotherapy or coaching?
The boundaries are not strict, and the words are used differently from one country to another. In general, counselling focuses on a current problem and is relatively short. Psychotherapy, such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy or schema therapy, can go deeper into long-standing patterns, mental health conditions or trauma and often lasts longer. Coaching concentrates on goals and performance rather than on emotional difficulties. Many therapists combine approaches, as in integrative therapy or person-centred therapy.
Is psychological counselling right for you?
Counselling is a good starting point if you are going through a difficult period, feel overwhelmed or simply want to talk to a professional about something that weighs on you. If your difficulties turn out to be more complex, your counsellor can suggest a more specialised approach or refer you to a colleague or a doctor. If you are in crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number (112 in Europe) straight away.
