Over the last 20 years I have been working as a counsellor on a daily basis.  75% of people who come to see a counsellor do not have a mental illness.  These people are like you and me, coping with everyday life and suddenly there is extra stress happening or a situation that is difficult to deal with and before you realise it, what you found easy to do one day, you struggle with the next. This is not seen as a failure but rather an indication that you need support.

There are many different methods used in counselling,
 
As the number of visits is normally limited to 5 sessions per person, I take the time in the first session to get to know you and what it is that you would like to change or resolve in your life.  
 
From this information I feedback to you what I believe your issues are and confirm that this is the path that you would like to focus on and we would plan how to go about it over the next few visits.
 
You also must realise that some things cannot be changed and counselling is one way of coming to accept that a situation may or may not in the long term be of benefit and that there may be "no quick fix" for the problem.
 
As it is short term focussed, I would use methods such as solution based counselling or cognitive behaviour therapy where you would be given homework to do between visits to help you focus on your long term goals.  This is also helpful to reflect back in a few months after you have finished to see your progress.
 
Some people just want to come and talk about what is happening in their lives and do not want to have counselling, just to be able to "dump"  on a total stranger is what they find therapeutic.  
 
After the 5 sessions a report is sent to your treating doctor with an overview of your issues, method of counselling and outcome.  You will then be referred back to your treating physician or referring person for review.
 
Also be aware that as a health professional, if I suspect or believe there is evidence or suspected or potential risk of abuse to children I am mandated by Law to report it to the Department of Child Safety.
 
If you choose to do so, YOU are the only one that can make the change in your life.  
 
Everything we say or do has an impact on others.
 
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction  (Isaac Newtons' first law of physics)