The psychological and emotional well-being is a fundamental aspect to living a healthy life. If you're suffering from a mental disorder or going through a difficult moment in your life, seeking help is one of the wisest decisions you can make, and not one you should be ashamed of. Opening up will make you feel much better, and a qualified counsellor will be able to give you expert advice in relation to your issues.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a process through which people can address their life issues, and hence, will determine personal and social growth. Counsellors make use of talk therapy to build a relationship with their clients in a confidential environment. By engaging in productive discussions, the counsellor will be able to provide personalised advice and support. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that all discussions are honest, if you wish to receive beneficial support. Counselling can be described as being an emotional and mental support system, whereby people are supported in any hurdle they encounter in their life journey. This is crucial for a healthy way of living.

Why visit a counsellor?

Whether you're going through a rough patch at this moment in time, or have experienced a trauma in the past, it's never too late to seek help and heal yourself. Every individual will go through tough times at one point or another, but a counsellor will be able to help you work through your issues and grow holistically as a person. Thus, you can face new issues as a stronger person in the future. When you reflect on your burdens, talk about them, and learn how to control them, you'll be able to experience a more positive way of living. Life is not a bed of roses and everyone needs a helping hand in difficult times.

Although friends and family will provide you with compassionate advice, professional guidance is, in some cases, crucial to address issues from the ground up. Counsellors aim to create a safe haven where you can open up and not be judged. You can rest assured all the sensitive information you say will remain confidential between you and your counsellor, who will, in turn, provide you with tailored professional advice.

By visiting a counsellor, you'll boost your self-confidence, learn how to express your emotions better, and enhance your overall mental well-being.

When should you visit a counsellor?

Regardless of the emotional or psychological burden you're experiencing, a qualified counsellor can provide you with the necessary support. Whether you're suffering from stress, anxiety, grief, or depression, going through a rough time at work, having difficulty making new friends, seeking to overcome a fear or trauma, tackling an addiction or an eating disorder, having communication hurdles, or going through financial or emotional ordeals in your marriage, counselling sessions can resolve many issues. Counsellors can support individuals with self-esteem and sexuality issues, bullying or abuse victims, children with learning difficulties, and people undergoing separation or divorce. If you want to boost your self-development, learn anger management, control your negative thoughts and emotions, and manage life changes in a healthier manner, book an appointment with a counsellor now.

What services do counsellors in Malta offer?

Qualified counsellors generally provide an array of different services to tackle any issue which may arise. Most common include:

• Individual counselling
• Group therapy
• Couple therapy: Are you constantly quarrelling with your partner? Going through financial, sexual or emotional difficulties? A qualified counsellor will be able to bring to light underlying issues which the couple may never have communicated together before, and will create a space where both parties can talk freely.
• Parental counselling: This is especially beneficial if your children have behavioural issues, but is also useful if you're new to parenting, need to feel more confident as a parent, or if you're facing daily struggles with your family.
• Child therapy: Although counselling is mainly associated with adults, children still go through their own hardships. Whether they start suffering from mood swings, have behavioural disorders, are bullying victims, or start losing interest in kids activities, counsellors can use play therapy to create a fun interactive environment for children.
• Young adult therapy: The transition which teenagers go through gives rise to issues related to their sexuality and emotional well-being. Counsellors will be able to support them throughout this transition.

Online counselling

Feeling confused or lonely? Seeking instant help due to a crisis you're going through right now? A number of counsellors offer instant support through an online chat platform or by phone. If you're suffering from abuse or domestic violence, from alcohol or drug misuse, or thinking of taking your own life, contact a counsellor online and receive the support you need.

How many counselling sessions should you attend?

The number of counselling sessions you attend depends on your personal needs. Each issue needs to be addressed in its own time and every individual's progress will vary, so each case needs to be tackled accordingly. Sessions may happen once or twice a week, fortnightly or once a month, depending on what you and your counsellor deem fit. In the end, you are in control of the number of sessions you want. You may attend just one session or else follow a tailored programme designed for you.

Where can you find a counsellor?

Counsellors may either have their own private office, or else, may be found in pharmacies or private clinics. Public and private schools would generally have a qualified counsellor readily available for students.

Stop neglecting your mental well-being and take action now! The qualified counsellors in Malta will open up a new perspective to any issue which is burdening you, and when you start looking after yourself, you'll also be able to look after others.

Discover how to deal with mental health problems at work and how to boost your mental well-being.

Suffering from a serious mental illness? Contact one of the psychologists or psychotherapists in Malta or Gozo.