Does counselling actually work?

Does counselling work- a really valid question to ask!

Before going into my personal thoughts, I would like to start by stating proper data and evidence.

According to BACP,

• Nearly three quarters of people who’ve had therapy (72%) found it helpful and three quarters (76%) would recommend it. 

• More than one in five (22%) said their children have received counselling or psychotherapy, with most parents finding it positive and a third (33%) described it as very helpful. 

• Most LGBTQ+ people (70%) say they feel comfortable talking to a counsellor or psychotherapist, compared with 61% of non-LGBTQ+ people.

More Evidence on BACP Research

and Evidence Based Insight on Counselling

When and Why Counselling Doesn't Work?

Lack of Motivation -

When the client lacks motivation to make changes or to get better from within, the helping relationship is less likely to blossom in that scenario.

Unstable Lifestyle -

If the client struggles with the stability of lifestyle, for example, being homeless or due to a chaotic environment, a helping relationship won’t be able to mature because of that.

Negative Traits of the Counsellor -

The lack of professionalism, empathy, and flexibility of the counsellor can harm the counselling work inevitably.

Premature Ending - 

A client might not be able to continue the counselling sessions for various reasons. Personal, long waiting list, finance, etc., can prematurely end a helping relationship.

Personal Input

Counselling is not some magic pill that will make the problems disappear in an hour or two.

Think of it as a tree. You plant the seed, water and nurture it, you are patient and consistent. Gradually, the tree grows, and one day you get the result.

Like this, the helping relationship between a counsellor and client takes nurturing. The client has to have faith in it while the counsellor is doing the work ethically and professionally.