Making the Leap
It's an incredibly vulnerable thing to do to reach out to someone for support, and requires some self-trust and commitment to get started. To explore whether you're really ready right now to self-refer for counselling, you are welcome to use the simple self-assessment questionnaire below. You'll need a pen and paper, and 5 minutes to focus your attention.
Next to every statement, please choose from either 'Y' for yes, you agree, or 'N' no, you disagree. If you are unsure, please select 'N'.
You can record your answers on a notepad, and then check your scores at the end of the exercise.
I am feeling ready for a positive change in my life right now (Y/N)
I have experienced some personal distress, however I am willing to do whatever it takes to grow from the experience (Y/N)
I am ready to start taking greater responsibility for my emotions and life path instead of staying stuck (Y/N)
I am willing to commit to prioritising my psychological well-being very highly (Y/N)
I am willing to become more balanced and flexible in caring for my innate needs, and responding to those of others (Y/N)
I am willing to assert appropriate personal boundaries, and routines in my daily life (Y/N)
I would like to discover who I really am, and reduce criticising, judging or blaming myself for any of my perceived weaknesses (Y/N)
I would like to grow my personal strengths and respect my vulnerabilities as a human being (Y/N)
I am willing to learn how to non-violently communicate with myself and other people (Y/N)
I am committed to becoming clearer and more compassionate about my true thoughts and feelings (Y/N)
Scores: If you scored mostly 'Y' then you may be ready for therapy and are welcome to schedule an initial consultation. If you scored 'N' next to one or more of the statements, then it is possible that now may not be the right time for you to self-refer to therapy, however there's still plenty you can do to support your mental health and personal development, and you're welcome to read my blog.