We all have times when life feels heavy. Maybe you’ve been brushing it off for weeks, telling yourself “It’s not that bad” or “I just need to push through”. But lately, you’ve noticed you’re more tired than usual. Little things set you off. You’ve been avoiding phone calls or canceling plans.
You might not be in crisis, but something is off — and that’s exactly when counselling can help.
In Perth, many people wait until they feel completely overwhelmed before seeking support. The truth is, counselling is just as valuable for everyday challenges as it is for major life events. Recognising the signs early can make recovery faster and prevent problems from growing.
Common Signs You Might Benefit from Counselling
Here are some clear indicators that it might be time to speak with a professional:
1. You’re stuck in the same loop of thoughts or worries
If you keep replaying the same scenario in your head, struggling to see it from a different angle, counselling can help break the cycle. Talking it through with someone objective often reveals solutions you can’t see alone.
2. Relationships feel harder than usual
You might notice more arguments with your partner, more distance from friends, or feeling unheard at work. Communication breakdowns often improve once you have tools to express yourself clearly and listen effectively.
3. Changes in sleep, appetite, or motivation
You might be sleeping too much or not enough, eating less or more, or feeling unable to get started on basic daily tasks. These changes can be early signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
4. Withdrawing from people and activities you enjoy
If you’ve stopped doing the things that once made you happy, it can be a sign you’re struggling emotionally. Counselling can help you reconnect with those parts of life.
5. Stress is showing up physically
Headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, and other physical symptoms can be linked to emotional stress. A counsellor can help you address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Why People Often Wait Too Long
Many people in Perth (and across Australia) delay counselling for months or even years. Common reasons include:
- Thinking they should be able to “fix it” themselves
- Worrying about what others might think
- Believing the issue isn’t “serious enough”
- Not knowing where to find help
Unfortunately, waiting often means the problem gets bigger, relationships become strained, and recovery takes longer.
What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session
If you’ve never been to counselling before, you might imagine sitting in a quiet room with someone nodding as you talk. While listening is part of it, your counsellor’s role is much more active.
In your first session, you can expect:
- A warm welcome and a chance to share what’s been going on
- Questions to help your counsellor understand your experiences and goals
- A discussion about what you’d like to work on together
- Clear information about confidentiality and how sessions work
You don’t have to prepare a “script” — just come as you are. Your counsellor will guide the conversation and help you feel comfortable.
(For more on what to expect, see our How It Works page.)
Counselling Is for Everyday Life, Not Just Crisis
Some people think counselling is only for major trauma or mental illness. In reality, it’s also for:
- Improving communication in relationships
- Managing work stress or burnout
- Coping with life transitions (moving house, new job, separation)
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Developing healthier coping strategies
By seeking help early, you’re giving yourself the chance to recover faster and with less disruption to your life.
No. In Australia, you can book directly with a counsellor without a referral from your GP. This means you can start whenever you’re ready. However, if you’d like to claim Medicare rebates, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your doctor — this applies to registered psychologists, not counsellors.
Local Support in Perth and Surrounding Areas
At Vision Counselling, we provide in-person sessions at convenient locations across Perth — including Scarborough, Baldivis, and our new Perth CBD office — as well as secure online counselling for clients anywhere in Australia.
Whether you’re walking from Perth Train Station to our Beaufort Street location or connecting from the comfort of your home, we’ll meet you where you are. Our counsellors use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, tailored to your needs.
If you’ve been wondering whether counselling might help, that’s often a sign you’re ready to start.
Don’t wait for things to get worse — take the first step today.
📅 Book an appointment with a Perth counsellor now — in person or online.
References
- Australian Psychological Society. Signs you might benefit from seeing a psychologist. Retrieved from: https://psychology.org.au
- Beyond Blue. Signs it’s time to get help. Retrieved from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Black Dog Institute. When to seek professional help. Retrieved from: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
