Although the Covid-19 experience was not a good one for most of us, one very positive thing that came out of the pandemic was the use of online facilities for a range of purposes, including counselling services.
Caitlin Cable is a young Cape Town counsellor, using online facilities to reach a range of people in her private practice, Caitlin Cable Counselling. An HPCSA registered counsellor, Caitlin acquired a Bpsych degree from SACAP. She explains that, “There are many benefits for people to access counselling via an online service. I have clients, for instance, who are fearful of going outdoors and so the online service is perfect for them. Of course, they need to feel safe and secure in that online space, which is something I was conscious of when I set up my counselling practice.” This type of service is also an appropriate option for sick or disabled people for whom access to face-to-face counselling can be difficult. And, if a person is away on holiday or for business, they can still access their usual counselling sessions
Caitlin has worked with people of all ages and from different backgrounds in individual settings, as well as with groups, and is positive about the experience she gained as a volunteer with the Counselling Hub. From the exposure she gained there, she realised that counselling services are not as accessible to the majority of South Africans as they, ideally, should be. “One sees many scenarios among people from poorer environments that cause a range of emotional challenges – anxiety, relationship problems and Gender-Based Violence, lack of direction among young people, fears, and so on. Counselling is critical to helping people cope with the life challenges they face and helps them learn the skills needed to enjoy their lives more fully.”
Caitlin finds that her younger clients connect more easily with her than they perhaps would with an older counsellor because she herself experiences the world in a similar way to how they do. “I find the issues they are facing quite relatable,” she explains, commenting that the impact of social media is a significant focus area for her when dealing with the younger client. Many younger people struggle with issues relating to self-esteem, depression and anxiety, LBGTQ+ issues and other identity challenges. In addition, “Many of the adolescents I see need guidance relating to life skills, such as time management skills; and how to approach the big decisions that can determine one’s future life, like a post-matric course of study or subject choices in high school,” Caitlin says.
Now is an appropriate time for high school learners to approach a counsellor for guidance about subject choice and future careers. During counselling sessions, Caitlin is able to offer psychometric assessments and other testing.
Help is at hand for a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Consider some counselling sessions to help you cope and to address the problems you may be facing.
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