Mind & support

Counseling

การให้คำปรึกษา

A talking therapy in which a trained counsellor listens without judgement and helps you find your own way through difficulties.

IntensityGentle

Origin

United States

History

Early 20th century vocational guidance (1908); the word "counseling" popularised by Carl Rogers in the 1940s

A session

Usually about 50–60 minutes

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Counselling has roots in the vocational guidance movement in the United States. In 1908 Frank Parsons founded the Vocation Bureau in Boston and coined the term "vocational guidance" to help people choose their work.

In the 1940s the American psychologist Carl Rogers used the word "counseling" for the therapy offered by psychologists. His 1942 book Counseling and Psychotherapy treated the two terms as close equivalents, and his humanistic approach placed the client's own experience at the centre.

After the Second World War, returning veterans created strong demand for personal and career counselling, and counselling psychology became a recognised specialty in the 1950s. Today counselling is offered widely, for example within the UK's NHS talking therapies.

The principle

Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to talk with a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and experiences. The counsellor listens without judgement, tries to understand your point of view and helps you find your own solutions.

A counsellor does not usually give advice or opinions and does not prescribe medication. Counselling is often relatively short and focuses on clarifying a current problem, stress, grief, a relationship or a life change, rather than on long-term treatment of a mental disorder.

What people come for

Talk through stress or a difficult period
Cope with grief or loss
Work on relationship or family difficulties
Adjust to a life change, such as moving abroad or a new job
Understand your own thoughts, feelings and patterns better

How it works on the body

Counselling works through conversation, but what we think and feel is often also felt in the body.

A session, step by step

01
First meeting
You explain what brings you, and the counsellor explains how they work and the limits of confidentiality.
02
Agreement
You agree on the number of sessions, frequency and fees; the number depends on your situation.
03
Regular sessions
Sessions usually last about 50 to 60 minutes, at a regular time, in person, by phone or online.
04
Exploring
You talk about what matters to you; the counsellor listens, reflects and asks questions.
05
Ending
You review together what has changed and plan the end of the sessions or a referral if needed.

Precautions

In Thailand there is no separate licence for counsellors, so anyone can use the title. Ask about training, supervision and membership of a professional association.
Counselling is not the right first step for a mental health emergency or a severe condition: see a doctor, psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist.
If counselling does not seem to help after a few sessions, discuss it with the counsellor or seek a different professional.
Check that the counsellor speaks a language you are comfortable expressing emotions in.
If you are in crisis, call the free 24-hour mental health hotline 1323, or emergency services on 1669.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

In Thailand, unlike clinical psychology, which is a licensed healing-arts profession, counselling has no separate Thai licence; certification and continuing-education requirements are reported to be under development. Professional bodies include the Thai Counselling and Guidance Association. For free support, the 1323 mental health hotline, run by the Department of Mental Health of the Ministry of Public Health, offers confidential counselling by phone and online chat 24 hours a day; if the counsellor assesses a risk, a psychologist can call back for urgent support.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between counselling, coaching and psychology?

Coaching focuses on goals and the future, and is not therapy. Counselling is a talking therapy to work through current difficulties and find your own solutions. A clinical psychologist (licensed in Thailand) can assess and treat mental health conditions. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can also prescribe medication.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your situation and is agreed with the counsellor. As an example, the UK's NHS typically offers between 8 and 16 sessions.

Will the counsellor tell me what to do?

Usually not. Counsellors help you explore your situation and find your own solutions rather than giving advice.

When should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist instead?

When difficulties last for weeks and affect daily life (sleep, work, relationships), when you may need a diagnosis or medication, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself. In Thailand, you can call 1323 at any time for guidance.

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