In Soviet times, psychology was almost an underground science. A person had to solve all problems either independently or with the help of a party meeting or a Komsomol cell. The relative novelty of psychological counseling - widely available and diverse - contributed to the fact that people began to address their internal conflicts to specialists. However, unlike the West, this branch of science and services is still in its infancy.
How can a psychologist help?
What are the pros and cons of psychological counseling, if we look at it through the eyes of the layman? The benefits are obvious only to the inexperienced. It is they who believe that a successful session of psychological counseling will help to solve all the personal problems of a given person once and for all, and therefore -will make it "accommodating" and "positive". However, working with a "master of souls", even with a university education and a degree, is a long process. In addition, in most cases - expensive. One session of psychological counseling can cost about a hundred dollars. At the same time, the results - at least from the point of view of everyday life - are very doubtful. For example, we go to a consultation to solve problems in partnerships. But at the same time, a psychologist cannot - simply does not have the right - to give us specific advice.
The only thing he can help is to make us aware of our needs and desires, our capabilities and potential. Everything else - including vital decisions such as divorce or marriage, the birth of a child or the separation of property - remains outside the scope of psychological counseling. These steps we have to complete only on our own. Similarly, the decision whether to stay in a city or country or emigrate, whether to change jobs or occupations. This is only our personal prerogative. No one will make important decisions for us. No psychologist can unequivocally say that this way out will bring certain results. The only thing he can do is show the internal contradiction of every decision or action. The final choice is made by the person himself.
What are the other disadvantages and problems of psychological counseling? Many of us will find it extremely difficult to "open up". That is, talk aboutwhat torments us, why and how we feel about our situation. After all, these aspects of psychological counseling relate mainly to what we have "inside".
Often we push these problems so far that we ourselves cannot voice them. And what can be said about a person - even a specialist - who sees us for the first or second time in his life. He can only guess about many problems or painful points. The decision itself must come from ourselves. Therefore, it is simply necessary to do deep work with yourself.
What types of psychological counseling are available to the average citizen? First of all, individual assistance within the framework of various programs. Consultations in this case last, as a rule, about an hour, and the main task of the psychologist will be to listen to the client and try to understand what problematic aspects of character and life position should be worked on. Group classes, although used in various psychotherapeutic centers, are not suitable for everyone. Many people resort to distance counseling. In this case, a chat or helpline can be an ideal solution, where you can anonymously discuss your problems with a professional and look for a solution together.
