Why do people come to counselling at TCRC?
We are a generalist counselling service and see a wide cross section of the community:
- individuals
- couples
- families.
Individuals
Many clients have ‘high prevalence’ conditions such as anxiety and depression. In addition, clients attend due to grief or a loss of some kind.
Men who seek our services may be dealing with work and relationship problems, drug and alcohol overuse, or depression and/or anxiety-related concerns.
Women come with concerns about their husbands and partners, loneliness, family members and sadness or anger, amongst other things.
A number of clients have been struggling with their own psychological problems or those of a family member. Gambling, drug and alcohol usage, family violence and childhood abuse may be the initial reason that people seek counselling, or may be gradually revealed.
Our clients have also included a number of young people, 18 to 25 years, with concerns about family, trauma, and distressing feelings for a range of reasons. Sometimes people know they feel unhappy but can't understand why, or how to feel better.
Couples
We have seen many couples and individuals struggling with relationship problems.
Maternal depression and anger are common counselling issues; relationships are often strained by outside influences such as work stress, gambling and alcohol abuse. Mental illness and unresolved conflicts put strains on relationships.
Families
Family groups, including stepfamilies, and single parent families, grandparents and adult children, are seen for a wide range of concerns.
Some have concerns about children, including teenagers and young adults, and are seeking advice and support about specific problems.
Support for families
Because a number of clients are young parents, with limited resources, we endeavour to assist with child-minding for counselling sessions, or to bring infants in to the sessions. We do our best to accommodate the entire family in order to improve the situation overall.
We are able to do this because of the dedication of staff, to dealing with where the client is, and their limitations. We are probably unique in this respect as well, recognising that parents in crisis frequently do not have family or other supports that they can call upon. Again, our staff and volunteers endeavour to ‘go the extra distance’.
The results are rewarding
At times marked improvements in relationships occur in a few sessions, and at other times change is more gradual.
Some examples of the positive effects of counselling:
- A young person who is deeply depressed and pessimistic, develops confidence and acceptance of themselves and family, and positivity about their future.
- A couple laughs together again and values their connection and differences when they had been bitter, disconnected, and on the verge of separation.
- The anger and resentment between family members is acknowledged and sifted through, to the love and willingness to work hard to improve things.
The feedback from our clients has been highly positive. Many clients have attended TCRC in years past, and return for additional support and insights at another difficult point. Many have been referred to us by relatives or friends.
Of course, at times hard decisions have to be made by clients, and counselling can help clarify when new directions are necessary.