Psychological Counselling: What Is it? What Does it Do?

Mental health issues can affect anyone at any point in their lives. Seeking guidance from a mental health professional, such as a hypnotherapist, a psychologist, or a counselor can be an empowering and transformative experience. However, with various specializations within the field of psychology, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Psychological counselling can be a powerful and cost-effective tool to get your needed assistance and support.

In this blog post, we will explore psychological counselling, how it differs from clinical psychology and counseling psychology, and its applications. Read on to find out more about the benefits of psychological counselling!

What is Psychological Counselling?

Psychological counselling provides a safe and confidential environment to discuss their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. The training of a professional counsellor focuses on listening with empathy, giving guidance and support with your difficulties.

In times of struggles with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, a counsellor can help you gain a deeper understanding of your situation and provide tools and strategies to manage your emotions and cope with stress.

By seeking counselling, you’re taking a positive step towards your own personal growth and well-being. Through the skillful guidance of a counsellor, you can find new perspectives and develop a more profound sense of self-awareness, leading to a more fulfilling life.

Applications of Mental Health Counselling

Counsellors are experts with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals dealing with various mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to trauma and addiction.

Through counselling, individuals can learn coping mechanisms, develop new skills, and gain insights into their behaviours and emotions. The benefits of mental health counselling extend beyond just the individual seeking support, as counselling can:

• manage anxiety disorders,
• manage eating disorders,
• improve relationships,
• enhance communication,
• manage adjustment difficulties after expatriation,
• deal with complex trauma,
• promote better mental wellness,
• facilitate grief,
• manage depression,
• enhance life quality by overcoming emotional issues and
• foster a greater sense of overall well-being.

Counsellors might work in a private practice or with the social welfare department. They can help families, adults,  adolescents, and children.

What is the Difference between a Counselling Psychologist and a Mental Health Counsellor?

Counseling psychology and mental health counseling are two types of counseling that serve different purposes in treating people.

Counseling psychology is often suited for individuals who are generally healthy but are experiencing life transitions or challenges. This type of counseling focuses primarily on personal development, growth, and coping skills.

On the other hand, mental health counseling is for those with more severe mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or addiction. Mental health counselors help clients address their specific mental health issues, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and medication.

Psychologists and mental health counselors’ roles may overlap in some areas, but they can differ significantly in focus, education, fees, and training. Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology, provide psychotherapy and diagnose and treat various mental health issues.

Counsellors provide treatment through the same techniques used by psychologists. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

What is the Difference between Counselling Psychology and Psychological Counselling?

Counseling psychology and psychological counseling are two commonly confused terms within the field of psychology. While they share similarities, such as offering some form of support and guidance to individuals struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or addiction, they differ in their approach.

Counselling psychology tends to focus on the individual’s overall mental health and often involves exploring deeper, underlying issues.

On the other hand, psychological counselling is more solution-focused and aims to help individuals overcome specific problems they are facing.

So, if you are still deciding which route to take, contact Renewed Edge Counselling & Hypnotherapy today to enquire about the best support for you in Hong Kong.

Clinical Psychologists vs. Counsellors in Hong Kong

Another distinction that may need to be clarified is the difference between clinical psychologists and counsellors. In a nutshell, a clinical psychologist trains to assess, diagnose and conduct research. At the same time, a counsellor spends all their time focusing on clear goals and supporting others through therapies and approaches also used by psychologists.

Why is Mental Health Counselling Important?

Clinical Counselling Service for Greater WellBeing

Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and it is closely linked to our emotional and physical health. It is even more so the case in Hong Kong because of its fast pace. Unfortunately, it is often neglected or overlooked, with many individuals failing to recognize the symptoms and signs of mental health disorders.

This is where mental health counselling comes in – it provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions and behaviours and to learn strategies to cope with life’s challenges.

Counselling Therapists Promote Better Health

Counselling is essential in preventing the onset of mental health disorders, managing the symptoms of existing conditions, and promoting overall mental health and wellness. At the core of mental health counselling is a commitment to providing a non-judgmental and compassionate space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and supported.

By seeking mental health counselling in Hong Kong, individuals can take proactive steps towards improving their mental health and enjoy a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

HK Counsellors’ Areas of Focus

Family Therapy in Hong Kong

Family counselling is a powerful tool that continues to help families overcome challenges, navigate conflicts, and build stronger relationships. Through a range of therapeutic techniques, including communication skills training, cognitive behavioural therapy, and systemic family therapy, families can develop a deeper understanding of one another and learn how to work together to create positive change.

At its core, family therapy is about building a safe and supportive space where all family members can feel heard, understood, and valued. As a trustworthy option, family therapy provides families with the tools they need to heal, grow, and thrive together.

Couples Therapy in Hong Kong

Couples counselling focuses on helping couples address issues in their relationship, enhance communication, and strengthen their connection. This type of counselling service can help couples struggling with problems such as communication breakdowns, conflicts, infidelity, trust issues, and intimacy issues. Many couples in Hong Kong found counseling a transformative experience and became more resilient as the process unfolded.

Individual Therapy

Through thoughtful conversation and practical exercises, your therapist will help uncover the root causes of your struggles and develop a personalised plan for moving forward. With a counsellor’s expertise and support, you can build the skills you need to thrive in every aspect of your life.

Through a process of introspection, reflection, and exploration, individuals can learn to overcome obstacles, manage anxiety and stress, and develop greater self-confidence and resilience.

Working with a therapist can be a powerful and transformative experience. When you are ready to take this step towards greater self-awareness and personal fulfillment, you should explore the many benefits of individual therapy.

Methods Used

When it comes to counselling methods, there are countless approaches used to help individuals navigate through their struggles and challenges. From cognitive-behavioural therapy to mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy, the selection of methods used will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual.

Hypnotherapy in Hong Kong

Hypnotherapy utilizes hypnosis to induce a state of focused relaxation and heightened suggestibility. It can be a powerful method of addressing various physical and emotional concerns and has many benefits that are particularly relevant in Hong Kong.

One of the most significant benefits of hypnotherapy in Hong Kong is its ability to help patients manage stress and anxiety, two common issues many people face in the city. With the fast-paced lifestyle, high-pressure work environment, and limited living space that often characterize life in Hong Kong, stress and anxiety can be overwhelming. Hypnotherapy can be effective in helping patients alleviate these feelings, learning relaxation techniques, and increasing their overall sense of calm.

Other positive behavioral and emotional benefits include:

• quitting smoking,
• improving one’s sleep habits, or
• reducing food cravings,
• managing physical pain and discomfort.
• promoting relaxation and calm,
• boosting low self-esteem,
• managing anxiety disorders
• In addition, it is a fast therapy that yields benefits in a few sessions.

As the premier Hypnotherapy Centre in Hong Kong, we have seen firsthand how hypnotherapy can provide an empowering and transformative experience for those embarking on this journey towards self-discovery.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Hong Kong

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, also known as CBT, is a highly effective and evidence-based treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. Through a collaborative process, CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours, ultimately improving wellbeing and a greater sense of control.

With its focus on practical strategies and problem-solving, CBT is a solution-oriented approach that empowers individuals to make positive changes in their lives. As a trusted and widely used therapy, CBT has helped countless individuals develop the skills and resilience to overcome mental health challenges and live their best lives.

Person-Centered Therapy

Person-centered therapy concentrates on an individual’s unique experiences and emotions. At its core is the belief that everyone can find their own answers and solutions to their problems.

By enjoying a safe and supportive environment, clients gain insight, self-awareness, and improved mental health. Person-centered therapy is not just a theory. It is a way of being with someone that builds trust, fosters growth, and enables true healing.

Which Role do Professional Counselling Association Play in Hong Kong?

Did you know that Hong Kong has no licencing or registration system for mental health practitioners? As a result, associations in the fields of psychology, hypnotherapy, and psychological counselling play a critical role.

Professional counselling associations are as helpful for the growth and development of the counselling profession as they are for the protection of clients.

Such associations play a pivotal role in providing support, resources, special education, and networking opportunities for all members of the profession in Hong Kong. But they also serve as advocates for clients’ rights and help establish ethical standards and guidelines that ensure the highest quality of care for those seeking psychological counselling services.

By promoting professional development and continuing education for therapists, these associations help ensure that counsellors are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to serve their clients best.

What Type of Therapist is Right for Me?

Choosing the right therapist can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to and who can provide you with the tools you need to improve your mental health.

So, research and find a therapist specializing in your specific needs, such as managing anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, or something else. A good therapist will be a confident and trustworthy guide on your journey towards happiness and wellbeing. Remember to take your time, ask questions in order to find the perfect match. Therapy is an investment in yourself, and finding the right therapist could be life-changing in Hong Kong.

Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy in Hong Kong

Two main options for delivering compassionate mental health services to adults in Hong Kong remain available: online therapy and in-person therapy. Both have advantages and drawbacks; ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and unique circumstances.

Gone are the days when clinical psychologists and counsellors believed that online therapy was not effective. On the contrary, online counselling therapy can be very effective and boasts many advantages compared to the traditional in-person delivery system.

Accessibility and Affordability of Online Therapy

The convenience of accessing therapy from the comfort of your own home or connecting with a broader range of therapists makes online therapy a viable option for those seeking professional support. Life can be hectic in Hong Kong, and these advantages can make a significant difference.

Of course, face-to-face therapy can be a valuable source of connection and support, and you may find it the best fit for your needs. From our experience, the clients who had to switch to online sessions because they were travelling out of Hong Kong for an extended period of time found it very useful. In addition, the ability to continue treatment wherever you are adds a sense of accountability and commitment.

Seeking Therapy Via the Public Sector

Seeking therapy through the public sector in Hong Kong often means long waiting lines and short interactions with mental health therapists. For example, it is said that you can wait for up to 18 months to see a clinical psychologist in a Hong Kong government clinic.

How Can I Find a Therapist in Hong Kong?

With over 7 million people in Hong Kong, many qualified professionals are available to help. Here are a few steps for you to identify your counsellor.

You first need to determine your goals. Then you can identify what type of therapist you need. Do you prefer someone who specializes in a particular approach or therapy? Is it essential for you to find a therapist who speaks your language?

Once these questions are answered, you can begin your search for therapists in Hong Kong. Asking for recommendations from friends or family might work, but more is needed to guarantee excellent rapport. At Renewed Edge, we can help you identify the right resources for your needs.

Renewed Edge: your Counselling Centre in Hong Kong

We believe in affordable counselling services in private practice. Our team of counsellors and hypnotherapists have extensive clinical training and experience in helping people struggling with mental health or seeking couple therapy in Hong Kong. Feel free to browse our articles. Their purpose is to further mental health education in the Hong Kong community.

Book your next online therapy session with a clinical psychologist or a counsellor today.