What is Counselling, and how do I know if it's for me?
- The Counselling Cove
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
Maybe you’ve thought about counselling before - late at night when your mind won’t switch off, or in those moments when life just feels heavier than usual. And then the questions creep in: “What actually happens in counselling? Do I really need it? What if my problems aren’t big enough?”
Sound familiar? Let’s take a gentle walk through what counselling really is, what it isn’t, and how you can know if it might be the support you’re looking for.
Counselling in plain words: A space just for you
At its heart, counselling is a safe, confidential space where you can finally set down the heavy backpack you’ve been carrying - even if just for an hour. You don’t have to filter yourself, minimise your feelings, or keep being “the strong one” for everyone else.
It’s not about quick fixes or someone handing you answers. Think of it instead like sitting with a curious, compassionate companion who helps you untangle the knots, notice patterns you may not have seen, and find a way forward that feels true to you.
Counselling can take different shapes, too. Some people like the comfort of face-to-face counselling sessions. Others find online counselling more practical, or choose Walk and Talk Therapy for the added benefit of fresh air and movement.
👉 Curious about these options? You might like to explore:
Do I really need counselling? (Spoiler: You don’t have to wait until crisis)
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to hit a breaking point before counselling can be helpful. Many people wait, thinking, “I should be able to handle this on my own” or “Other people have it worse.”
But the truth is, if something feels heavy for you, that’s enough reason to reach out.
You might find counselling helpful if you’ve noticed yourself:
Feeling stuck in your thoughts or emotions.
Carrying everyday stress that now feels overwhelming.
Moving through grief, loss, or big life changes that are hard to carry alone.
Wanting a space to speak freely, without worrying how it lands on loved ones.
Craving a pause - time to reflect, slow down, and reconnect with yourself.
Feeling nervous about counselling? Totally normal.
Most people feel a little anxious before their first session. Honestly - who wouldn’t? Talking about your inner world with someone new isn’t exactly small talk.
The good news is: you set the pace. You only share what feels comfortable. A good counsellor will meet you where you are, not push you further than you’re ready to go. Think of it like dipping your toe into the water, not being thrown into the deep end.
That first session? It’s simply a conversation. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what you’re hoping for, and start gently exploring how counselling might support you. Sometimes sessions are lighter, more like sorting through thoughts. Other times they go deeper. Often, just having a space where you don’t have to hold everything in can feel like a breath out you didn’t realise you’d been holding.
👉 If you’d like more detail on what actually happens in therapy and things to consider when choosing a counsellor, you might find this article helpful: Demystifying Therapy: How to find the right fit for you
Curious but unsure? Start with a free initial chat
Because reaching out can feel daunting, a good starting point can be a free introductory call. It’s a chance to ask questions, get a sense of a counsellor's style, and see if it feels like a good fit - without the pressure of having booked a whole session.
People often tell me afterwards that starting with that first phone call feels so much less intimidating than they’d imagined. As soon as people start to talk you can hear the nerves easing as they realise that it's just a relaxed conversation.
A bit about me
Counselling is often described in big, abstract words - but for me, it’s about the small, human moments. The relief someone feels when they don’t have to hold it all in anymore. The smile that comes when something “clicks” after weeks of heaviness.
I’m Jemima, a counsellor based in Caringbah (Sutherland Shire). If you’d like to get a better feel for me and my approach, you can read more on my Meet Jemima page - or even follow me on Instagram, where I share insights, reflections, and the occasional dose of everyday life. Sometimes that’s the easiest way to see if my style feels like a fit for you. And finding someone that you feel comfortable with is one of the most important factors impacting whether or not counselling will feel natural to you.
Taking the first step
Reaching out for counselling isn’t about having it all figured out - it’s about giving yourself permission to not carry everything on your own. Whether you’re navigating big changes, daily stresses, or just a quiet sense that something feels “off,” counselling can offer a gentle place to pause and find your footing.
If you’re curious, consider it a first step rather than a final decision. Even one conversation can help you get a sense of whether it feels right for you.
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