There are numerous definitions of counselling, but one of the most appropriate ones is the following:
"Counselling is an activity freely entered into by the person seeking help, it offers the opportunity to identify things for the client themselves that are troubling or perplexing. It is clearly and explicitly contracted, and the boundaries of the relationship identified. The activity itself is designed to help self-exploration and understanding. The process should help to identify thoughts, emotions and behaviours that, once accessed, may offer the client a greater sense of personal resources and self determined change." (Russell et al from Sanders,1998)
COUNSELLING WITH THE ALCOHOL AVISORY SERVICE
Here at the Alcohol Advisory Service, we tend to use a client or 'person-centered' approach to counselling (whereby the client is the centre of the process), but also with a heavy emphasis on Motivational Interviewing Skills (essential to promoting change.)
The service's premises are well hidden and there are no outward signs as to who we are. Inside, there is no waiting room or reception - clients are met and brought straight in to a counselling room - thereby maintaining confidentiality. We also try to keep the environment quiet, relaxed and informal.
Usually we see clients once a week for about an hour each times (although this is changeable as to the individual's needs - and can be less or more accordingly.) We also advise that clients can remain in contact by the telephone in between appointments if they wish. We will always try to accommodate appointment times and dates as best we can.
COUNSELLING IS
- Confidential
- Non-Judgmental
- Empathetic
- Respectful
- Non-directive
- Non-denominational
- Empowering
COUNSELLING IS NOT
- Advising
- Befriending
- Guiding
- Judging
- Threatening
The first session is not usually too in-depth - we generally cover the client's main concerns and also look at their past and present drinking habits as well as checking to see if there are any physical or health related problems.
Further sessions may cover such as:
- Understanding your drinking and how it affects you.
- Looking at your drinking over a period of time.
- Looking at other areas of your life and see how they relate to your drinking.
- thinking about, planning and carrying out any changes you might need to make.
- Feeling more in control of your life
- Learning more about alcohol generally.
As stated above, we do not advise nor tell anyone that they must give up drinking. However, we can offer specific information about alcohol, the problems it can cause in the long term and the detrimental health effects.
We hope that this section has answered any queries you may have about counselling, and in particular, the work of the Alcohol Advisory Service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
Isle of Man Alcohol Advisory Service, 16 Hope Street, DOUGLAS IM1 1AQ
call us on 627656 Monday to Friday 09.00 am to 05.00 pm - There is a confidential answer phone after hours
