Meaning of Counselling: Types and Importance

Posted on: Apr 9, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Meaning of Counselling: Types and Importance

Until recently, counselling was rarely discussed openly. Few people sought professional help to navigate their emotional and psychological struggles through multiple sessions. However, with increasing awareness and technological advancements, counselling has become more accepted, allowing individuals to share their thoughts and feelings while receiving guidance to overcome challenges.

What is the Meaning of Counselling?

Counselling is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals openly discuss their concerns with trained professionals. A counsellor, through various techniques, helps individuals understand and manage their emotions, express their feelings, identify the issues and overcome them. The counsellor provides a safe, supportive, and confidential environment, encouraging them to discuss their problems and issues without hesitation.

The counselling sessions have different formats, and you are free to choose the format that makes you comfortable.

• Face-to-face Counselling:

One of the most popular counselling formats, the individual meets the counsellor in person to discuss the problems.

• Online Counselling:

If you are uncomfortable meeting in person and revealing your identity, you can seek email counselling.

• Telephonic Sessions:

This is the best alternative for people who find it challenging to commute to the counsellor’s office. You can seek counselling from the comfort of your home.

• Group Counselling:

Group counselling sessions bring together individuals facing similar challenges, providing a supportive network and shared understanding.

Types of Counselling

Now that you know the meaning of counselling, let’s understand the common types of counselling.

1. Career Counselling:

A career counselling expert guides individuals in choosing career paths based on their skills and areas of interest. During the sessions, the expert will assess their interests, personality, and aptitude and suggest the best career options.

2. Mental Health Counselling:

People with anxiety, depression, frustration, fear of something, or other emotional distress take the help of trained professionals to overcome the situation and improve their overall well-being.

3. Relationship Counselling:

Relationship counselling helps couples resolve conflicts with their partner or family and helps build a stronger relationship.

4. Rehabilitation Counselling:

Counselling helps people with disabilities—emotional, cognitive, physical, and mental disabilities—fulfil their goals and live independently.

Conclusion

A counsellor doesn’t simply give directives but helps you recognise the issues weighing you down and guides you in developing a plan to overcome them. Counselling empowers you to improve self-awareness, gain clarity, and navigate life’s challenges. Mental well-being is closely linked to overall health, so having a health insurance plan that includes mental health support can be beneficial. Additionally, critical illness insurance can provide financial coverage for severe health conditions that may arise due to prolonged stress or psychological concerns.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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