The Stigma Attached to Counselling

Stigma around mental health issues still goes on and on and the efforts to eradicate it have a long way to go.

The word Stigma can be defined as a mark of disgrace so this can prevent people for seeking the help they need as they fear they will be judged.

Society has often stereotyped people who seek counselling labelling them as being weak, crazy, or incompetent and stigma arises because of a lack of understanding regarding mental health issues.  There are also negative attitudes or beliefs about counselling and therapy.

Don’t avoid getting help.

Do not let the fear of being labelled prevent you from getting the help you need and deserve.

Don’t take it personally.

The stigma comes from people who have little understanding of mental health issues.  Try to see this as their problem, not yours.

Don’t believe that you are your issue.

Someone with a broken ankle is not a broken ankle they are more than this, the ankle does not define who they are.

Do change the way you view counselling.

If you can choose to view counselling as a positive, healthy choice in your life, because it is! then you can help someone do the same and start to change the stigma of counselling and therapy.    

Hope Springs will welcome you in a safe, non-judgemental environment giving you the space and pace for healing.