Find a Counsellor in Chiang Mai
Find a Counsellor in Chiang Mai
Making the decision to find a counsellor in Chiang Mai is a crucial step towards growth and healing. Since 2018, Counselling Thailand has been offering services in Chiang Mai. Over the last six years, we have expanded to Bangkok and now offer online counselling to those residing in other areas of Thailand or internationally.
Our experienced counselling team works with adults, children, and teens. We now have over twenty therapists, both male and female, with a range of specialisations. These include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, bereavement, alcohol and substance abuse, couples therapy, marriage counselling, Thai-Western relationships, and LGBTQ+ concerns.
Full profiles of all our counsellors can be found on our counselling team page.
Before making any commitment we offer the following:
- Free 15 minute Zoom video consultation for individuals
- Free 30 minute Zoom video consultation for couples and families.
This gives the opportunity to discuss things further, answer any questions you have and if you are happy to proceed, arrange a mutually convenient time for the first full counselling session.
For more information please contact us or complete our client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial consultation.
Why Counselling?
Counselling is a process of professional assistance that aims to help individuals overcome personal challenges, improve their mental wellness, and enhance their overall well-being. It provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and work towards finding solutions to their problems. Counselling can address a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, and self-esteem problems.
Many people find counselling beneficial because it offers a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where they can express themselves freely. It allows individuals to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes in their lives. Moreover, counselling can provide individuals with the necessary tools and skills to navigate through life’s challenges effectively.
How do I Know if I Need a Counsellor?
Recognising the need for counselling can be a personal and subjective experience. However, there are certain signs and indicators that can help you determine if seeking a counselor’s support would be beneficial for you. These signs may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety that interfere with your daily life.
- Difficulty managing or coping with stress.
- Significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Strained relationships and difficulties in maintaining healthy connections.
- Experiencing trauma or going through a major life transition.
- Struggling with addictive behaviors or substance abuse.
- Lack of motivation, interest, or enjoyment in activities that once brought pleasure.
- Overwhelming feelings of anger, frustration, or irritability.
- Thoughts of self-harm, alcohol / substance abuse or other destructive behaviour,
If you resonate with any of these signs, it may be a good idea to consult with a counselor who can provide professional guidance and support.
What to Look for When Choosing a Therapist or Counsellor in Chiang Mai
When beginning your search to find the right counsellor in Chiang Mai for you, a good place to start is by looking at a counsellor’s experience, accreditations, personal recommendations, and online reviews.
Other factors include:
- Experience and expertise: Ensure that the therapist has both academic experience (Bachelors / Master’s Degree) and relevant practical expertise in the specific areas you are seeking help with.
- Approach and style: Different therapists employ various therapeutic approaches which you can which can be discussed in more detail during the free initial consultation and first session.
- Compatibility and rapport: Establishing a good rapport with your counselor is crucial for effective therapy. Consider scheduling an initial consultation to assess the therapeutic connection.
- Accessibility and availability: Ensure that the counselor’s schedule aligns with yours and that they can provide the necessary support when you need it.
- Cultural sensitivity: If you have specific cultural or identity considerations, it is important to find a counsellor who is knowledgeable and respectful of these aspects. Please advise us of this when completing our initial enquiry form.
Clients we work with
Individual Counselling – Adults
Available for adults and children of all ages and nationalities. Seeking counselling for the first time can sometimes be daunting and overwhelming. Before making any commitment to counselling or therapy we offer a free initial consultation before making any financial commitment.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy, or couples counselling, helps to improve romantic relationships, resolve interpersonal problems, build or rebuild trust, and help partners commit to each other and their relationship. Much of our couples therapy in Chiang Mai involves Thai / Western and cross-cultural relationships. Each of these presents unique challenges including communication issues (verbal and non-verbal), family issues, and misunderstanding each other’s religious or cultural background. More information can be found by visiting our dedicated couples therapy page.
Individual Counselling – Children, Teens & Adolescents
Our Thai and English-speaking counsellors are trained to help teens manage the challenges and successfully navigate their way through this tumultuous time. We believe by doing this at an early stage, we can provide our young clients with a significant advantage for their future. For more information, please visit our Teen Counselling page.
Family Therapy:
Family therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering healthy relationships within a family system. It recognises that individual issues and behaviours are often influenced by family dynamics and interactions. In family therapy sessions, all members are encouraged to participate, and the therapist facilitates open dialogue, promotes understanding, and explores patterns of interaction. The goal is to strengthen family bonds, enhance problem-solving skills, and create a supportive environment where each member feels heard and validated.
PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD may develop after an individual has been exposed to or been threatened with a traumatic event. If you are struggling with PTSD, you might find yourself frequently having vivid flashbacks and nightmares, avoiding certain situations which may act as triggers and struggling with constant feelings of anger, sadness and anxiety. For more information, please visit our specific PTSD page.
Trauma Therapy
Our Trauma therapy is a specialised form of therapy where our trauma therapists actively assist clients in dealing with the emotional responses caused by traumatic events, they may have experienced or been exposed to. Research suggests that over 50% of individuals will experience at least one traumatic event through the course of their lives. Trauma can include a variety of situations, these could range from bullying, harassment, sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, chronic abuse and many more.
LGBTQ+
Most people who identify as LGBTQ+ seek therapy for the same reasons as straight people, this can include anxiety, depression, relationship problems or general difficulty in adjusting to situations. Their sexual preference may be of primary importance or sometimes, of no importance to their issues and reasons for seeking help. Individual, couples, teen and family counselling. We have both male and female therapists with extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ clients.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Problem drinking can occur at different levels of severity, from mild to life-threatening. Although alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most severe stage, there are also less severe drinking problems that can be just as dangerous and harmful to the individual and those around them. It is important to learn more about the different levels of severity before reaching out for help. We can assist in both alcohol counselling as well as rehab admission and consultancy work on both an outpatient or inpatient basis.
Stress, Anxiety and Depression (SAD)
These can either present themselves in isolation or all together and can be helped with counselling that is both supportive and therapeutic. More information for each issue can be found on the relevant pages for anxiety and depression.
Counselling Approaches and Techniques
In Chiang Mai, there are various types of counseling approaches and modalities available. Some common types include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to modify negative thoughts and behaviors through goal-oriented techniques. It involves the identification and questioning of irrational beliefs, the development of coping strategies, and the implementation of behavioral changes to enhance overall well-being. To learn more, please visit our specific PTSD page.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT – Mindfulness) combines cognitive and behavioral strategies with mindfulness practices. Its objective is to assist individuals in regulating emotions, managing distress, and improving interpersonal skills. Mindfulness exercises are integrated to promote present-moment awareness and enhance emotional control.
Satir Therapy focuses on enhancing communication and self-esteem in relationships. It involves exploring family dynamics, increasing self-awareness, and encouraging healthy expression of emotions to foster authentic connections and personal growth.
Gestalt Therapy emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and emotions in the present moment. It encourages individuals to explore unresolved issues, enhance self-awareness, and take responsibility for their actions. Techniques such as role-playing, empty-chair work, and guided imagery facilitate self-discovery and personal development.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotional bonding and attachment patterns within relationships. It aims to help couples identify and modify negative interaction patterns, leading to more secure attachments. The therapist assists individuals in expressing and validating emotions, resulting in increased understanding and intimacy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment while committing to behaviors aligned with their values. It emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment to help individuals overcome psychological challenges and live a meaningful life.
Person-Centered Therapy provides a supportive and empathetic environment for clients to explore and understand themselves. The therapist offers unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence to facilitate self-discovery, personal growth, and self-acceptance.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a technique commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves gradual exposure to feared situations or thoughts while refraining from engaging in associated compulsive behaviors, resulting in decreased anxiety over time.
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is a directive and action-oriented therapy that aims to identify and challenge irrational beliefs, replacing them with rational and constructive thoughts. It focuses on the connection between beliefs, emotions, and behaviors to promote positive change and emotional well-being.
Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts that contribute to psychological distress. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and employs techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and interpretation to gain insight into underlying issues and foster personal growth.
Humanistic Therapy highlights an individual’s capacity for self-awareness, personal growth, and self-actualization. It aims to create a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic environment that facilitates self-exploration, enhances self-esteem, and promotes personal development.
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative approach that seeks to elicit and strengthen an individual’s intrinsic motivation for positive change. It involves exploring ambivalence, identifying personal values, and assisting individuals in resolving concerns and building commitment towards their goals. It is essential to discuss with potential counsellors their preferred approach and how it aligns with your goals and needs.
Book Free Initial Consultation
In conclusion, seeking counselling in Chiang Mai can be a valuable step towards enhancing your mental and emotional well-being. By understanding the importance of counselling, recognising the signs that indicate the need for professional support, knowing what to look for in a therapist, and exploring the different types of counselling available, you can make an informed decision when choosing a counsellor in Chiang Mai.
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right counsellor for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15 minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families
The next step for anyone seeking help is to complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.