A GUIDE TO FINDING A RECOMMENDED COUNSELOR IN CHIANG MAI – THAILAND

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A COUNSELOR IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

The counselor you work with must have sufficient experience working with the specific issues that you as an individual will bring to therapy. Many counselors have specializations, so before committing to counseling or psychotherapy sessions, it can be useful to ‘interview’ your prospective counselor and ask about their past experience and preferred therapeutic modalities. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information or to clearly communicate your expectations and needs. It is important to start any therapeutic relationship off on the right foot – with honesty and transparency.

Many counselors also offer a free introductory telephone or video call to ensure a good fit prior to the client making any financial commitment. This is usually a 15-20 minute exploratory call, and like any sessional work, these sessions are private and confidential.

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In addition to doing your own research through online search engines or forums, personal recommendations are also highly valued when it comes to counselors. These recommendations might come from someone you know or from independent reviewers online. Although everyone has slightly different needs and preferences when it comes to counseling, consistent, positive reviews are always a good sign.

Finally, accessibility is key when it comes to finding a counselor to work with. Nowadays, with therapy being offered online or by phone, getting the help you need is easier than ever. If you prefer to work with a counselor in-person though, you’ll want to look for someone with flexible hours who can accommodate your schedule and an office or meeting location that is sensible in order to ensure that you will continue to be able to attend regular sessions.

There are many counselors who work in Chiang Mai as well as online. Many of these are employed by local institutions including schools, alcohol or addiction rehabs, and other types of wellness centers. While some of these counselors do offer private sessions, many counselors in Chiang Mai have limited availability for private work due to working full-time. They may also be limited by their visa and work permit regulations, so finding a qualified, Western-trained counselor can be a challenge.

Even though the need for therapeutic services for expats as well as Thai citizens continues to increase many experienced counselors avoid establishing legal, licensed businesses through which they are permitted to see clients for the sole purpose of therapy.

Counselling (Thailand) Co.,Ltd is a registered Thai limited company with a highly experienced counseling team offering counseling services in both Thai and English language. As a registered legal entity we are can provide tax invoices and can work with employers either directly of via EAP programs. (Employee Assistance Programs)

In order to help as many people as possible we would encourage clients to consider online counseling. Our online counselling team throughout Thailand and internationally includes male and female therapists with a range of specialties in multiple languages including English, Thai, Indonesian, Mandarin and Tagalog.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON REASONS PEOPLE CHOOSE TO GET COUNSELING?

DEPRESSION

Depression may involve feelings or behaviors such as isolation, loneliness, low mood, extreme sadness, constant worry, lack of purpose, and a sense of disconnection from the self and from others. Depression is extremely common, person-centered and CBT-informed individual therapy are two well-known counseling modalities used by counselors to treat depression.

ANXIETY

People with anxiety disorders typically experience recurring or intrusive thoughts about the past, present, or future, and may get easily overwhelmed. Anxiety can manifest in stress, burnout, social anxiety, panic attacks, fear, phobias, uncertainty, worry and part or complete emotional imbalance. Individuals who struggle with anxiety may also experience physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety is often dismissed or normalized, but persistent anxiety can have long-term mental and physical health consequences. The good news is, just like depression, treatment for anxiety with timely and appropriate intervention from a trained counselor or therapist.

MANAGING CHANGE

Changes in life circumstances can greatly impact us, whether these changes be predictable or completely unexpected. Life changes could relate to work, sexuality, gender, relocation, or finances. Sometimes, these changes can affect our ability to handle stress and relationships and throw off our sense of balance. Additional therapeutic support during times of change may help an individual to maintain perspective and focus and offset feelings of overwhelm, confusion, or ungroundedness.

GRIEF AND LOSS

Grief or loss may be related to the death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, of even loss of a job. Grief is not limited to feelings of sadness. It can also involve guilt, yearning, anger, or regret. Working through the stages of grief with a qualified counselor can help to minimize long-term consequences such as depression or trauma.

SLEEP PROBLEMS

Sleep issues are common for those struggling with mental or emotional health issues. Rumination, constant worrying, and stress can prevent one from being able to fall or remain asleep. Of course, this lack of sleep also causes underlying or causal issues to further intensify, as you do have the strength or fuel to seek out support and solutions. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be a helpful tool for people with a variety of sleep disorders such as insomnia or even sleepwalking by allowing the mind and body to calm down, relax, and let go of anxiety.

TRAUMA COUNSELING

Nowadays, there is a broader understanding of trauma, but still, many people will deny having trauma because they have not had anything “big” happen to them, or because they recognize that others may have gone through similar experiences and they seem to be unaffected. The reality is, however, that trauma comes in many forms and it does not directly refer to any event. Rather, trauma is the negative impact or maladaptive response to an event, or series of events.

Common signs of trauma are feelings of sadness, anger, fear, or shame. Unresolved trauma can result in nightmares, insomnia, relationship difficulties, or an inability to regulate one’s emotions. Like all mental health issues, trauma can also manifest physically, and symptoms may include: nausea, dizziness, fluctuations in appetite, migraines, or gastrointestinal issues, or lead to substance use and abuse.

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING

We are complex beings, and even in the best of relationships, issues arise. These may include: poor communication, jealousy or trust barriers, arguments, or sex or intimacy issues. Particularly with recent world events relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples have found themselves struggling more than ever due to financial strain, or simply as the result of spending more time together within a quarantined environment. Couple’s counseling or therapeutic mediation by a neutral and informed counselor can be incredibly useful (particularly in Thai / Western relationships where language barrier and cultural differences are extremely common) in order to navigate difficult patches and potentially prevent such negative consequences as separation, divorce, or infidelity.

CAREER

Career changes can be a huge stressor for many people. Individuals may experience uncertainty around their current job (ie “Is this right for me? Is it time for a change? Am I going to be fired?), stress or burnout from overworking, or they may be looking to start your own business but lack resources, confidence, or support. All of these issues can be worked through with a skilled careers counselor or business coach.

ALCOHOL, SUBSTANCE, OR PROCESS ADDICTIONS

When it comes to symptoms of addiction, an individual (or their loved ones) may begin to notice increased alcohol or drug consumption, blackouts, memory loss, lack of motivation, more arguments, and an inability to control or abstain use. These symptoms are most effectively treated when they are noticed in their early stages. If these symptoms are the result of an acute Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder, or a process addiction such as Gambling or Sex Addiction, a counselor can help to connect you with the appropriate treatment resources, whether this be a residential program, or perhaps an intensive outpatient treatment program.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its destination rehabs where individuals from all over the world can access high-quality treatment in luxury settings at a fraction of the price of Western rehabs. When someone who has participated in such a program discharges from that level of care, it is highly advisable for them to pursue continued individual therapy, preferably with an alcohol counselor in Chiang Mai who is well-versed in CBT as well as the non-denominational 12-step model, or even one who has personal recovery experience.

More information can be found on our blogs page in particular “Choosing an Alcohol Rehab in Thailand” and “Rehab Center Thailand Alternative.”

WHICH COUNSELING APPROACHES ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE?

Counselors and psychotherapists develop their own styles which may integrate diverse approaches that have been learned and practiced over many years. This can be referred to as “the lens” the therapist uses to address client issues. The specific lens through which a counselor views a particular case is also dependent on the client’s individual needs and issues.

A few of the most common and effective therapeutic approaches that mental health counselors use are:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most well-known counseling approaches worldwide. Practicing CBT allows clients to identify their problems, change their thinking patterns, face fears with increased confidence, and learn and implement new coping strategies for unexpected challenges and difficult situations. CBT is highly effective when working with clients who identify as having destructive or unhelpful thinking patterns such as issues with anxiety, depression, anger, and addiction, among others. CBT allows for understanding, provides an opportunity for change, and although deep thinking and behavioral patterns take time to change, the impact of practicing CBT can lead to more immediate and short-term positive results.

Humanistic/Person-Centered therapy: This type of therapy focuses on the client’s thoughts and feelings about their issues in the here and now. By looking at the more deeply rooted causes humanistic or person-centered therapy helps clients understand how they may see the world through their own “lens.” This can be an incredibly useful tool in helping clients on their journey towards self-acceptance and personal growth.

Psychodynamic therapy: This approach focuses on the learned behaviors and thought patterns developed at an unconscious level which in turn are influencing one’s behaviors in the here and now. This approach helps heighten the client’s awareness and understanding, allowing them to make continual personal improvements on both a conscious and unconscious level.

Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is often combined with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). In a relaxed trance-like state, similar to that experienced with meditation, hypnotherapy allows clients to engage in deeper processes using a different part of the brain.

CAN COUNSELING BE DONE REMOTELY EITHER BY TELEPHONE OR ONLINE? IS IT AS EFFECTIVE?

Yes…to both! Although some people prefer face-to-face contact with their therapist, many others prefer to work with a counselor in Thailand online for several reasons. These may include: frequent travel; living in remote locations; limited access to transport; disability or mobility issues; and more recently, concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19). While our contemporary society is full of challenges and unknowns, access to online therapy can offer people a safe and reliable form of support from the comfort of their homes.

Online counseling often uses video calls through an online platform such as Zoom where the client and counselor can view each other on a screen. These can be accessed via smartphone, or also a laptop or home computer for those who prefer to communicate using a larger screen. For those who have fears, limited experience with modern technology, or unreliable Internet access, clients can also benefit from telephone counseling via a mobile or landline telephone.

HOW DO I BOOK A COUNSELING CONSULTATION?

The best way to book an appointment is to visit the counselor’s website. There will typically be a “Contact Us”, or “Book an Appointment” page or link which will state the best way to contact the individual counselor or practice. As stated earlier, one thing that is very common when it comes to counselors in Chiang Mai and Thailand is that most will offer a FREE no-obligation telephone consultation.

*Please note, the majority of freelance counselors in Chiang Mai work independently as single operators. They may not have a receptionist to take and manage their calls whilst they are in session with their clients. Don’t let this discourage you, and perhaps even take it as a sign that they are busy doing good work with other clients! At Counselling Thailand we aim to respond to all enquiries with 24 hours.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR COUNSELING FEES IN CHIANG MAI?

Counseling fees in Chiang Mai are considerably less than in the West, where the cost to see an experienced counselor could range anywhere from 100 USD to 300 USD for a 45-50 minute session. Chiang Mai Counseling and Counselling Thailand, offer individual counseling sessions in Chiang Mai for a very affordable rate of 3,600 THB for a 90-minute session, and 2,600 THB for a 60-minute counseling session either in person or online. To see a full list of fees for counseling in Chiang Mai, please visit the fees and appointments page.

PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COUNSELOR IN CHIANG MAI

In order to provide clients with the best advice, guidance, and support it is important to network with other local companies and practitioners offering similar or complementary therapy services in Chiang Mai. Here are some reviews that have been posted on the google business listing with regards to Counseling Thailand’s work and professional experience.

Making a commitment to counseling or psychotherapy can be a big step, particularly if you are seeking counseling for the very first time and are unsure of what to expect. Trust, experience, rapport, and accessibility are some of the top considerations when looking for a counselor. The first three go hand-in-hand and can often be determined within the first session and build as the therapy continues.