There is always debate about whether counselling is actually helpful. It has been argued that counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder, soon after the traumatic event, does not relieve the symptoms of PTSD, and some patients, particularly children, may be re-traumatised by being asked to relive and review the events. In these circumstances it may actually be better to ignore and attempt to forget the distressing incident in the immediate aftermath, rather than facing up to it. As the saying goes, time is a great healer, and the event can be remembered and rationalised much later, once the raw emotional shock has passed. Similarly, it has also been suggested that most counselling is not specialised or focused enough to resolve phobias, and attempting to make the patient address their fear can cause even greater anxiety.

These issues aside, there is ample evidence to support the effectiveness of counselling for a range of general problems from depression or addiction to poor self-confidence. A study by Booth, Goodwin, Newnes and Dawson found that patients referred to counselling reduced their average GP visits from 2 per three months to 0 per three months. In addition their average score on the Quality of Life scale shifted from somewhere between “bad” and “moderate” before counselling to between “moderate” and “good” afterwards. Another study by Curtis Jenkins had between 80% and 90% of patients reporting that counselling had been “helpful or very helpful.”

When asking whether counselling is appropriate for lawyers, however, further considerations arise. Many lawyers tend to be ALpha types, driven, competitive, confident and perfectionist. They are used to taking on challenges, and solving problems for their clients, and it is not easy for them to admit that they cannot handle their own challenges and problems. It is often quite difficult for lawyers to admit that they need help, or to accept that the process of recovery may take a considerable time, and they are often cynical and unconvinced of the merits of counselling, or of the credentials of the counsellor. Given this, is there a likelihood that counselling is less likely to be successful for lawyers than for the general population?

Much of the effectiveness of counselling is because talking about a problem often helps to put it into perspective and provide catharsis. At a lower level lawyers calling a counselling helpline in a state of distress will no longer feel the need for any further professional help by the end of the initial conversation; the experience of discussing the problem in confidence has been sufficient to alleviate it. Based on this, there is an argument that paying for counselling is unnecessary—all anyone needs is a concerned close friend with whom to discuss their problems. For minor worries this may well be the case, but not all problems are minor, not all friendships could withstand the strain, and not everyone has a close and trusted friend.

An additional issue faced by lawyers is that of vicarious trauma. In their book on the subject, Lisa McCann and Dr. Laurie Pearlman said “Continued exposure to those actively suffering trauma can result in shifts in the personal perception and experience of life of the observer.” They further observed, “Anybody who engages with trauma survivors or perpetrators …can be open to vicarious trauma, even lawyers … Lawyers hear terrible things.” Lawyers may absorb some of the emotional pain of their clients, and naturally feel outraged, saddened and shocked, however much they try to retain their professionalism. Over time they can become cynical, over-judgemental, emotionally numb, have problems relating to others, and descend into depression or addictive behaviour. One lawyer commented, “I still have vivid memories of quite traumatic experiences representing victims of domestic violence who were so betrayed that it was difficult for me to have faith in humankind.” In such cases, regular sessions with a counsellor, or similarly qualified professional, can provide a much-needed opportunity to debrief.

Whether or not counselling works for vicarious trauma, workplace stress or personal problems largely depends on what is expected of it. Counselling is not a magic wand which can make problems go away, but talking with someone who listens non-judgementally, and with clinical experience, can often be helpful in discovering new solutions and finding the strength and self confidence to apply them. Lawyers often believe that because they are highly experienced, qualified and intelligent professionals, they should be able to handle their problems without any outside help, but not every problem can be solved by legal means. It is not uncommon for lawyers to request a counsellor who has knowledge of the legal profession because their issues are so bound up in the work they do.

At present anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist, and there is no telling what damage could be done by an unqualified person. If you feel the need to choose a counsellor, check that they are accredited by a body such as BACP, or recommended by a medical professional or someone who has used their services. Counselling, when undertaken by a properly qualified professional, can be extremely beneficial, even for lawyers.

Anna Buttimore, Administrator, LawCare