Short answer
The key point first
Psychological counselling for adults aims to help individuals understand themselves, strengthen their coping skills, and establish a more balanced routine in their daily lives when facing challenges such as stress, burnout, life transitions, relationship problems, and emotional difficulties. If these challenges persist and affect daily functioning, consulting a professional may be considered.
Adulthood and its unseen burdens
Adulthood is one of the most demanding periods of life, filled with responsibilities. Career, financial worries, relationships, parenthood, caring for ageing parents, and personal goals all need to be managed simultaneously. Many of these burdens are invisible to others; a person might say, “I’m coping,” while feeling exhausted on the inside.
A significant number of adults searching for a psychologist in Ankara are those who notice that “something isn’t right” before a major crisis occurs. Sleeplessness, irritability, constant fatigue, an inability to enjoy things, or recurring conflicts in relationships can be signs that a person may need support.
This guide has been prepared by the Knowledge Centre of Özel Vivere Aile Danışmanlık Merkezi to neutrally explain the common challenges faced by adults and the process of adult counselling. The information provided here is general in nature and is not a substitute for a personal assessment.
The most common challenges faced by adults
The issues that adults bring to counselling are very diverse. The table below summarises common topics and their potential impact on daily life.
| Area of difficulty | Potential impact on daily life | Focus in counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Work stress and burnout | Constant fatigue, loss of motivation | Boundaries, priorities, rest |
| Life transitions | Uncertainty, indecisiveness | Adaptation and preparing for new roles |
| Relationship problems | Recurring conflicts, loneliness | Communication and expressing needs |
| Anxiety and worry | Feeling constantly on edge, mental fatigue | Understanding and managing anxiety |
| Loss and grief | Deep sadness, search for meaning | Accompanying the natural grieving process |
| Self-confidence and self-worth | Feeling inadequate | Self-compassion and personal strengths |
Burnout: more than just tiredness
Burnout is a state defined by the World Health Organization as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It can manifest as feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism, and reduced professional efficacy.
People experiencing burnout often blame themselves, with common thoughts like, “I should work harder,” or “Everyone else can do it, why can’t I?” However, burnout is not a personal weakness; it is a process that arises from a combination of factors such as workload, lack of control, insufficient recognition, and value conflicts.
In counselling, the sources of burnout are explored together, areas within and outside of the individual's control are distinguished, and work is done on setting boundaries and redefining rest.
Life transitions: marriage, parenthood, career changes
Life transitions such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a first child, children leaving home, a job change, retirement, or moving to a new city all require adjustment, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. During these periods, a person may experience uncertainty, anxiety, and indecisiveness while trying to let go of old roles and adapt to new ones.
During transitional periods, counselling support can help an individual make sense of the change, acknowledge their losses and gains, and adapt to their new life structure more consciously.
Observing yourself: the early signs
Noticing the early signs of difficulty makes it easier to take preventative action before a larger burden develops. The signs below do not in themselves mean there is a problem; however, they should be taken into consideration if they persist for a long time and affect your daily life.
- Noticeable changes in your sleep pattern
- Withdrawing from activities you used to enjoy
- Constant fatigue and low energy
- Irritability and getting angry easily
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Withdrawing from social relationships
Small steps you can try in daily life
Before considering professional support, or to accompany the counselling process, some small steps can be tried in daily life. These suggestions may not have the same effect for everyone; it's important to choose what feels right for you. Regular movement, even short walks, can provide mental relief for many people. Sleep hygiene, such as going to bed and waking up at similar times each day and avoiding screens before bed, can support energy levels. Social connections, like regularly communicating with people you trust, can reduce feelings of loneliness.
The importance of sleep and rest
Sleep is a fundamental need for emotional regulation and mental resilience. During periods of intense stress, sleep patterns can be disrupted, which in turn leads to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue the next day.
Rest is not just about sleeping. Taking short breaks during the day, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or simply sitting and doing nothing are also parts of resting. Many adults see rest as a “reward to be earned”; however, rest is a fundamental component of a sustainable life.
When might professional support be considered?
If the difficulty has been ongoing for several weeks, is significantly affecting your work, relationships, or daily responsibilities, or if the methods you've tried on your own are not enough, consulting a professional may be considered. You don't need to wait until you feel “terrible” to seek support.
Psychological counselling provides a space for an individual to better understand themselves, notice their patterns of thought and feeling, and develop new coping skills. This process can not only help to reduce difficulties but also to discover one's strengths.
In situations involving thoughts of harming yourself or others, intense hopelessness, or changes in your perception of reality, you should immediately contact a healthcare provider or the 112 Emergency Call Centre.
How does the individual counselling process work?
Individual sessions with adults typically last 60 minutes and are initially scheduled once a week. In the first few sessions, the reason for seeking support, life history, support systems, and goals are discussed. Subsequent sessions focus on working towards these goals.
For detailed information about the individual counselling process, you can visit our individual counselling in Ankara page. At our centre, we also offer the option of sessions in English based on need.
Individual counselling fees
In Ankara, the fees for individual counselling at private family counselling centres must fall within the official range set by the provincial fee determination commission (a body of the Ankara Governor's Office). The table below shows the fees for preliminary consultations and individual counselling.
| Service | Duration | Minimum fee | Maximum fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Consultation Service | 15–20 min | 381,60 ₺ | 1.122,32 ₺ |
| Individual Counselling | 60 min | 1.010,06 ₺ | 3.479,20 ₺ |
| Test Administration | Intelligence, personality, psychological, developmental screening, etc. | 639,79 ₺ | 4.152,61 ₺ |
Taking the first step
Deciding to seek support is often the hardest step. Taking this step is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of the value you place on yourself and your quality of life.
You can review the profiles of our professionals who work with adults at Özel Vivere Aile Danışmanlık Merkezi on our team page.
You can send any questions you may have via our contact page.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Short, clear answers to the questions people ask most about this topic.
Sources and scope
This content is for general information only; it does not replace diagnosis, treatment or a personal assessment.
About the author
Dijital Mustafa
Individual counselling and session fees
- Preliminary Consultation15–20 min381,60 ₺ – 1.122,32 ₺
- Individual Counselling60 min1.010,06 ₺ – 3.479,20 ₺
- Family Counselling90 min1.907,96 ₺ – 4.882,03 ₺
VAT included. Corporate counselling is free of charge. Source: Ankara Governorship, Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, No. E-11276684-500-19281497.
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To learn more about individual counselling, you can get in touch with Özel Vivere Aile Danışmanlık Merkezi.
