Counselling Voodoo....

Counselling voodoo or better known as stigma, refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes surrounding the seeking or receiving of counselling services. It involves societal or cultural biases that can create barriers to individuals accessing or openly discussing their engagement in counselling.

Stigma associated with counselling can manifest in various ways. Some common forms of counselling stigma include:

1. Mental health stigma: Counselling is often associated with mental health issues, and unfortunately, there is still a significant amount of stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. This can lead to individuals feeling ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help for their emotional well-being.

2. Perception of weakness: There is a cultural notion in some societies that seeking counselling is a sign of weakness or inability to handle one's own problems. This can deter individuals from seeking the support they need, fearing judgment or a loss of perceived strength.

3. Misconceptions about counselling: Many people have limited knowledge or misconceptions about what counselling entails. This lack of understanding can perpetuate stigmatizing beliefs and prevent individuals from recognizing the benefits of counselling.

4. Fear of judgment or labeling: Some individuals worry that engaging in counselling may lead to being labeled or judged by others. This fear of social repercussions can deter people from seeking help or discussing their counselling experiences openly.

Counselling stigma can have detrimental effects on individuals' willingness to seek help and can prevent them from accessing the support they need. It is important to challenge and combat counselling stigma through education, awareness, and promoting a culture of acceptance and support for mental health and emotional well-being.