Understanding Counselling Through the Analogy of Sport
The idea of seeing a counsellor can be daunting.
For many men, it’s something unfamiliar, something that takes them well out of their comfort zone.
Maybe you picture sitting face to face with someone while they probe you with questions.
Or perhaps you imagine lying on a couch, staring at the ceiling, wondering how much longer you have left in the session.
Well, I’m glad to say that your experience at Strong Space Counselling will be neither of those things.
We want things to make sense and feel right for you.
And to help you better understand what counselling is all about, let me share a helpful analogy.
Think of yourself as an athlete.
A participant in whatever sport comes to mind.
The counselling space is the sideline.
It’s where you get the chance to take a much-needed time out from the action on the field - which is your everyday life.
Counselling as Time on the Sideline
When you're on the sideline, you're taking a break from the game.
You're catching your breath, getting some perspective, and preparing for what comes next.
That’s exactly what counselling offers you: a chance to step back from the fast-paced action of daily life and reflect.
In these sessions, we talk privately about what’s going on out there on the field.
We discuss how you’re feeling, what’s working, what isn’t, and what you’d like to change.
It’s a moment to press pause and really assess how things are going.
The Counsellor as Your Coach
In this analogy, I play a supportive role like a coach.
Here’s the thing though: I can’t come onto the field with you.
The field represents your life, and the actions you take are entirely yours.
My role as your counsellor is to help you prepare, give you strategies, and cheer you on from the sideline.
I provide you with insights and support, but you’re the one out there playing the game.
And there’s something else - something a little unexpected.
I can’t actually see the field.
I’m relying on the information you provide me.
The more honest and accurate you are, the better I can help.
You see, this makes our work together truly collaborative.
Your input as a client is just as important as my expertise as a counsellor.
If I’m on the wrong track or something doesn’t feel right, you’re encouraged to tell me.
This helps me adjust our approach so it works for you.
A Collaborative Approach to Growth
Counselling isn’t about following a one-size-fits-all plan.
There aren’t hard-line rules or scoring systems like in sports.
What you want to get out of counselling is entirely up to you.
In most cases, the “wins” come in the form of greater self-understanding, personal growth, processing difficult emotions, and gaining clarity around decisions.
This is why collaboration is so important.
Counselling works best when both of us are actively involved.
Your voice, your experience, and your insights shape the direction we take together.
Think of it like a team effort.
If something we’re doing in our sessions doesn’t feel quite right, speak up.
If something is working well, share that too.
This helps me tailor the process to you, making it truly effective.
The more you bring to the table, the more you’ll get out of it.
Taking the Lessons from the Sideline Back Onto the Field
Here’s the key: growth happens off the sideline.
It happens when you’re back on the field - when you take the insights from our sessions and apply them in your real life.
Maybe you realise that bottling up your stress leads to snapping at loved ones.
In our sessions, we might explore better ways to release that stress.
This could mean taking five minutes to breathe after a tough day or practising a simple phrase like, “I need a moment to gather my thoughts.”
These might sound like small changes, but it’s those deliberate shifts that make the biggest impact over time.
Consistent small actions are where the real magic happens.
The progress isn’t made just by talking about it; it’s made when you’re out there living it.
Practical Tips to Make the Most of Counselling
If you want to get the most out of your counselling experience, here are some key tips:
Show up fully: Be present in the sessions, both physically and mentally. Bring your truth, whatever that looks like each day.
Speak your mind: If something isn’t working, say it. Counselling is a partnership, not a one-way directive.
Be patient: Growth takes time. There will be setbacks, but those are part of the process.
Apply what you learn: The real changes happen when you take what we discuss in sessions and apply it to your everyday life.
Celebrate small wins: Notice the progress, even if it’s small. Each step forward is worth celebrating.
You Are in Charge of Your Growth
Counselling is a proactive choice.
It’s a powerful decision to take charge of your mental health and well-being.
It’s about leaning into discomfort, being willing to look inward, and making changes for the better.
I’m here to support you, guide you, and cheer you on.
But ultimately, you’re the one leading the way.
If you’re ready to explore the power of counselling for yourself, know that it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.
It’s about getting in tune with who you really are and giving yourself the support you need to thrive.
You’ve got this.
And I’m here in your corner every step of the way.
- Ricky
FAQ
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The best way to make the most of counselling is to actively participate. Be open, share your thoughts and feelings, and apply the insights you gain to your daily life.
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Collaboration makes therapy more effective. Your input and insights help tailor the process to your specific needs, making it more impactful.
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A counsellor acts as a supportive partner, offering guidance and a new perspective, but you are the one who takes action and makes changes in your life.
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Therapy provides insights and tools that you can use in real-life situations. It's about making small, deliberate changes that help you grow over time.
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Yes, counselling can help you gain more control by providing clarity, understanding, and practical tools to manage challenges effectively.
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Absolutely. Counselling works best when both you and your counsellor work together as a team to address your goals and challenges.
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Therapists recognise that you have unique experiences and knowledge about your own life. This makes your perspective essential in shaping the direction of therapy.
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You can actively participate by being honest, sharing your experiences, asking questions, and providing feedback on what is and isn't working for you.
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eflection helps you understand what's working, what's not, and what needs to change. It provides clarity and direction, both in therapy and in everyday life.