Counselling in Bangkok – Find the Most Appropriate Counsellor for Your Specific Needs
Finding counselling in Bangkok can be overwhelming, with the number of options and choices available. Looking through an online directory is sure to yield some results, however, how do you pick someone to work with based on a picture and short biography?
At Counselling Thailand, we offer a range of in person and online counselling services and have received very positive feedback from previous and current clients. All the therapy models we practice can be individualised to each client’s specific needs. Counselling can be effective when looking at mental and emotional problems. Simply having someone to talk to about your thoughts and feelings can often make a world of a difference. While it can be helpful to even talk to your family and friends, about certain issues, sometimes you may require certain help that people around you are unable to provide. If you feel you need an outside perspective or added support, talking to a counsellor could help immensely.
If you are considering online therapy in Bangkok– whether it be to restore a relationship, improve your overall mental wellbeing, adjust to a new phase of life or recover from trauma you’ve been exposed to- finding the right therapist is the first crucial hurdle to cross. You do not have to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to benefit from talking to a therapist. Many people in therapy seek help for their day to day concerns, some of which could include job stress, anxiety, depression, insecurities, relationship struggles and more. Others turn to therapy during difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one. Whatever the reason maybe you choose to reach out, it is crucial when researching options for counselling in Bangkok to choose a therapist best fit for you, a good therapist can help you become stronger and more self-aware.
Finding the Right Counsellor in Bangkok
Finding the right therapist in Bangkok can sometimes be particularly time-consuming, but it is definitely worth the effort. The alliance shared between you and your therapist is so important, you need someone you can fully trust and feel comfortable talking to about uncomfortable and difficult situations. Therapy is said to be less effective without the presence of this bond, so it is important to take as much time at the start to find someone reliable and suitable for you and your needs. Some other factors to take into concern when looking for professional counselling in Bangkok are:
Experience: One of the key reasons for seeking help from a counsellor, therapist or psychologist in Bangkok is the experience they have. It is important to look for a counsellor who is experienced in treating the specific problems you are facing. Often, therapists will have specialities, such as treating anxiety, depression or eating disorders. Experienced therapists have seen the problems you’re struggling with and had prior experience treating clients suffering from similar issues, which gives them more knowledge and insight.
Educate Yourself About Different Treatment Options: The majority of therapists and counsellors practice a mixture of different treatment types, therefore educating yourself and learning about different treatment types can affect your therapists way of performing, as well as, the suggested length of therapy.
Credentials and Recommendations: It is important to make sure your therapist not only holds relevant academic qualifications but if a non-native Thai is legally allowed to work in Thailand. This will include holding the appropriate visa, work permit, registered Thai limited company and can supply you with an invoice with tax I.D.
We would also recommend when researching counselling in Bangkok to check independent online reviews for personal recommendations and any negative feedback or complaints against the therapist or counselling practice you are considering.
Intuition: Sometimes, even though your therapist looks great on paper, the connection between you two may be lacking. If you feel uncomfortable in any way or simply don’t trust the person or feel as though they truly care, you should probably choose someone else. A professional counsellor will respect your choice and never put pressure on you to persuade your decision.
Questions to ask Before Choosing the Most Suitable Counselling in Bangkok for your Individual Needs
What’s most crucial when looking for a reputable counsellor in Bangkok is a sense of safety, connection and unconditional positive regard and support from your counsellor or therapist. Ask yourself the following question when choosing a therapist best fit for your needs:
Do you feel the therapist truly understands you?
Would you feel comfortable when revealing personal information to this individual?
Does this particular therapist seem like they truly care about you and your issues?
Does the therapist accept you for who you are?
Do you feel you can be transparent and open with this therapist? And not have to hide or pretend you’re someone that you’re not?
Is the therapist a good listener? Do they listen without criticising, interrupting your thought process or judging?
What to Expect When You Start Counselling in Bangkok with Counselling Thailand
All therapists are different, however, there will always be some similarities in how therapy is structured. Average sessions range from 60-90 minutes and take place around once a week or fortnight. Although therapy for more intensive conditions could occur more regularly. A reputable therapy practice should always suggest a minimum of 90 minutes or preferably 120 minutes for the first initial session. Our counselling fees are incredibly competitive and substantially cheaper than some other counselling services in Bangkok. Before making any financial commitment we offer a free initial telephone or video call consultation with one of our experienced counselling team comprising both British and Native Thai Bilingual counsellors and therapists.
Here are some other pointers to expect or be aware of before and during counselling:
- Making sure you and your therapist are the right fit: Do not settle for less! You might need to take the necessary action to make sure there is a good fit between you and your therapist. Sometimes, you may even need to see a few therapists until you feel completely comfortable, understood and accepted.
- Remembering therapy is a partnership: You are a key contribution to the overall healing process, along with your therapist. No one expects you to do all the work, but your therapist cannot possibly do it entirely for you either. Therapy should feel like an alliance and collaboration.
- Acknowledging therapy will not always be easy: Repressed and painful memories, frustrations and other negative feelings are a part of the process and will surface at some point. It is important to remember these need to be dealt with in order to move on and move towards a more positive life.
- Therapy should be a safe place: As mentioned above, there may be times therapy actively challenges you to face unwanted feelings, however, it is important to remember therapy should be your safe place. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, never hesitate to let your therapist know how you feel.
How to Benefit the Most from Counselling in Bangkok
In order to make the most out of your counselling sessions, you will need to apply whatever it is you’re learning throughout your sessions in your day to day lives. 60-90 minutes in counselling every week isn’t going to magically fix you, it depends on how you utilise everything learned throughout your sessions. Below are some ideas for gaining the most out of your counselling sessions:
- Actively making healthier lifestyle changes: There are several things you can do in your day to day life to improve your overall health. For instance, exercising, getting sufficient hours of sleep, eating healthy, yoga, meditation and remembering to make time for yourself.
- Do not expect your therapist to tell you what you’re meant to do: Your therapist is only able to guide you and make relevant suggestions, but only you can make the changes needed to fully recover.
- Take your commitment to treatment seriously: Do not flake on sessions, unless there is an actual emergency. If your counsellor provides you with homework between sessions, be sure you complete it. Online counselling these days, definitely makes it easier to access the sessions simply from the comfort of your own home.
- Do not hesitate to share your feelings: Therapy will work best for you if you are open and honest about your feelings. If there are things you are having particular trouble addressing, don’t hesitate to tell your therapist. Slowly, you can work together to resolve your issues.
Is Counselling Working for me?
Individuals should ideally be able to identify within a session or two whether you and your counsellor are the right fit. However, at certain times, it may seem like you and your therapist aren’t making relevant progress and things are at a standstill. It is crucial to constantly be evaluating your progress during therapy in order to make sure you’re reaching the goals you set.
It is important to keep in mind, counselling is not a smooth and fast road to recovery. It’s a healing process, which has its ups and downs and also the occasional backtracking. Be patient with yourself as well as your therapist and do not be discouraged over what may seem like a setback. It is not always simple to break out of old habits, behaviours and patterns. Remember growth is tough, and you won’t wake up a whole new person overnight.
6 Tips to Help Evaluate Your Progress in Counselling
- Are your life and all aspects of it changing for the better?
- Are you actively achieving the agreed goals for your counselling journey?
- Is counselling challenging you? Are you exiting your comfort zone?
- Do you feel you have a more in-depth understanding of yourself?
- Are relationships improving within your life?
- Do you feel more confident and empowered?
Your counsellor should actively work with you throughout the process, re-evaluating the goals set by you. However, it is important to keep in mind that therapy is not a race or a competition. Focus on overall progress and implementing what you learn into your everyday lives.
Signs you may need to change counsellors
- You do not feel entirely comfortable discussing all topics with your counsellor.
- The therapist may be dismissive when it comes to your concerns.
- The therapist talks more than they listen.
- The therapist tells you what to do and how to live your life.
Choosing from the many companies offering professional counselling in Bangkok can be a big decision. At Counselling Thailand we want to help support all our clients with their therapeutic goals whether that be through; individual counselling, couples therapy or hypnotherapy. The free initial consultation we offer will not only answer any questions you have about any aspect of the counselling process but will help us both agree the most appropriate counsellor is the best fit for you and your specific needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you have any questions regarding our services. Additionally, without making any financial commitment first, we offer a free consultation call to allow you to ask your potential therapist any questions or queries you may have. Call us today or complete our confidential online enquiry form and begin your journey towards a more fulfilling and positive life.