Coping & Counselling Myths - DEBUNKED

• If I push my feelings or issues to the back of my mind, they will go away or resolve themselves.

  FALSE
  
  Pushing feelings back down is like adding more clothes to your rucksack – eventually you run out of room and the bag will rip under the strain. Accessing counselling will help remove and/or dispose of those clothes in a healthy fashion.

• Crying is a weakness.
  FALSE
  
  Crying can be a positive thing, it can help you. It acknowledges the feelings you’re experiencing. It is a self-soothing behavior that releases oxytocin and a number of endorphins which reduce stress.
   
• Seeing a mental health professional means that I am crazy or there is something wrong with me.
  FALSE
  
  Imagine that you have an Aston Martin and it broke down. You would take it to the mechanic to have it repaired, and once it was in working order, you’d be quite pleased and show it off. There is no shame in taking a car to the mechanic. You are that Aston Martin, and like the car, once in a while you require a tune-up. We all do! Going for that tune-up is a sign of strength and shows that you care about yourself and your well-being. When you’re healthy, you can be there for your loved ones. When you’re not feeling balanced, your ability to support others is reduced. 
   
• My counsellor will fix me, my spouse or my child.
  FALSE
  
  The goal of counselling is to support the client in identifying their needs and achieving goals. The clinician’s responsibility is to create an individualized care plan. The counsellor’s main role is to assess needs, listen, provide tools and guide the client towards critical thinking and introspection. It is important to highlight that this is a collaborative process between the client and the clinician. 
   
• People only go to couples counselling when they are about to break up.
  FALSE
  
  Although couples counselling can be used as a means to end a relationship in a positive manner, it can also be used as a proactive approach to revitalize your relationship through the use of new tools and strategies.
   
• If I see a mental health professional, me and my family will be posted back to Canada.
  FALSE
  
  It is normal to face difficulties and seeking support is the right thing to do. A family could possibly be posted back to Canada if there is a major concern only.
   
• If I see a mental health professional, my partner’s chain of command will be informed.
  FALSE
  
  Services are confidential. If information needs to be shared, you will be asked to consent, unless you or someone around you is in danger.