What is counseling?

Definition:

“Counselling is that interaction which occurs between two individuals called counsellor and client, it takes place in a professional setting, and is initiated and maintained to facilitate changes in the behavior of a client”. à Pepinsky and Pepinsky

“Counseling is a form of talk therapy that assists individuals with psychological and emotional difficulty”.

Since the existence of civilization man has always sort help from his friends and relatives, when we talk about India, the first counsellor was lord Krishna who helped Arjuna to gain insight or self understanding. The “Bhagvad Geeta” contains the first principles of counselling valid for all ages.

Counseling is a process that focuses on enhancing the psychological well-being of the client, such that the client is then able to reach their full potential. This is achieved by the counselor facilitating your personal growth, development, and self-understanding, which in turn empowers you to adopt more constructive life practices.

Counseling may be helpful in a number of ways. It can enable you to develop a clearer understanding of your concerns and help you acquire new skills to better manage personal and educational issues. The counselor can offer a different perspective and help you think of creative solutions to problems. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone not personally involved in your life can be most helpful. 

Indian counsellor “Prem Pasricha” says that counselling operates at 3 different levels.

1)      Non formal and Non Professional

2)      Formal and Professional

3)      Trained and formal, professional

ü  Non Formal and Non Professional

People who are not professional and who had no formal training and yet counsel people at time

For ex: Parents, Friends, and Relatives

ü  Formal and Professional

People who are professional and yet not formally trained in counselling

For Ex: Lawyers, Teachers etc.

ü  Trained and formal, professional

These are trained and professionals who help and counsel people with formal and trained approach.

For ex: Counsellors, Clinical Psychologist, and Social Workers etc.