Meeghan Bourne Explains How + When Counselling Can Work For Highlanders

Meeghan Bourne, counsellor and psychotherapist at Holus Health Counselling in Bowral is often asked what is counselling and how does it work.

“I explain that talking therapy is when a trained counsellor listens to you and helps you find your own answers without judging you,” Meeghan says,

“I give the client the opportunity to talk, cry, shout, or just think. It’s an opportunity to look at your problems in a different way, having me completely respect you and your opinions.”

It’s all about making the individual feel better, right?

“Right,” says Meeghan.

“The problem may not go away but you will find it easier to cope with what’s happening and feel happier overall.”

Meeghan brings counselling in under the term Talking Therapies. We hadn’t heard that term before so wanted to dig a little deeper and asked Meeghan what Talking Therapies can be helpful in treating and when this form of therapy is useful.

This is what the wonderful Meeghan had to say!

Have a read….you may find your own circumstances in this list of when counselling can help. 

TALKING THERAPIES ARE USEFUL TO TREAT A NUMBER OF CONDITIONS

It’s helpful for treating: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Phobias
• Addictions
• Bipolar disorders

 
Talking Therapies are commonly used alongside medicines.

WHEN CAN TALKING THERAPIES HELP?

1 :: Life Events + Counselling

If you’re going through a sad or emotional time, Talking Therapies can help you cope better. This could be after a relative or friend has died, during or after you’ve had a serious illness. You may be struggling with infertility or you’ve lost your job or become an empty nester….. there are so many life situations that can turn our emotional wellbeing on its head. 

Counselling can help you manage your sadness, confusion or inability to engage in daily life when faced with life crises.

2 :: Physical Illness + Counselling

Did you know individuals with long term health issues are more likely to suffer from depression and counselling has been proven to be very helpful when this happens. Your quality of life may be improved by engaging in talking therapies if you have:

• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Heart disease
• A stroke
• Constant joint / lower back pain.

Chronic conditions and illnesses can be so debilitating and you can feel so alone [especially if you suffer from a condition that people can’t ‘see’]. Therapy will absolutely help with this.

3 :: Over 65’s + Counselling

Individuals living alone or spending more time on their own are susceptible to depressive episodes and will benefit from talking therapy.

Depression in this age group should not be dismissed as a normal part of life, so reach out and engage in some counselling to revive your thirst for living with vitality.

People are living longer and sadly dementia is fast becoming the major illness of our elderly. Counselling can help people living with dementia as well as helping their caregivers.

4 :: Past Abuse [emotional or physical] + Counselling

If you or a loved one has been affected by emotional or physical abuse, discrimination or racism, you may be able to cope better after a course of counselling sessions.

5 :: Couples + Counselling

Couples counselling can save marriages/relationships. I know this firsthand as I’ve experienced how relationships are revived by rebuilding trust, love and better communication skills that are managed and explored during talking therapy.

Ideally couples should attend sessions together, however an individual may also benefit from taking therapy to address their major concerns through a process of separation or divorce.

6 :: Family + Counselling

If there is a marriage breakdown and children are being impacted then family counselling will help them cope better through the difficult times.

Counselling can help families where a child is suffering depression, anxiety and mood upsets, anger issues, or other behavioural concerns.

I work closely with other professionals to have children/adolescents assessed correctly for mood concerns ranging from ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar and other conditions.

TAKING THERAPIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON A NEUROLOGICAL LEVEL

So, this is pretty amazing.

Research has shown when a therapist is sitting with a client and listening with intent, the mirror neurons in the brains of both the counsellor AND the client are activated. 

What are mirror neurons? 

Mirror neurons connect our visual and motor systems with frontal systems which are responsible for goal directed behaviour. 

So, what does that mean in a talking therapy environment? 

Mirror neurons are like the bluetooth of the brain, so even though our brains are not physically linked, by spending effective time listening and interacting with my client, their motor neurons kick in to promote wellness and constructive helpful thinking for them. 

Amazing, right? Check this quote out:

Eric Kandel says that “psychotherapy /talking therapy is successful in bringing about changes to the brain. He states when a therapist speaks to a client and the client listens , the therapist is not only making eye and voice contact, but the action of neuronal machinery in the therapist’s brain is having an indirect and one hopes a long lasting effect on the neuronal machinery in the client brain.: and quite likely vice versa.”  (Arden 2010).

Now, the fact that therapy and counselling can work on a neurological level like that is pretty mind blowing.

“From my perspective, I would say if you are thinking about counselling or wondering what it is and if it will help you, you probably need it,” says Meeghan.

“Talking to a trained professional can make such a big difference to someone’s life. I’ve seen it happen, so I would say to people to reach out and don’t be scared. It can be challenging but it can also be transformative.”

“Your life will change for the better.”

Thanks Meeghan! That bit about mirror neurons was super interesting – who knew?

Holus Health Counselling Bowral provides professional and discreet mental health and counselling services and individual, relationship and family counselling and psychotherapy.
There’s never any shame in reaching out. If you need help, get in touch with Meeghan.

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