Counselling gives you the opportunity to talk to a trained health professional in a safe and confidential environment. This may be helpful if you would like some independent support in deciding what to do about your unplanned pregnancy.
What is counselling?
It allows you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour about the difficult issues in your life.
Talking to a counsellor does not mean that you are ‘crazy’ or ‘weak’ or ‘not coping’. It is an important early step in empowering you to take control of your life.
What is pregnancy options counselling?
Pregnancy options counselling is usually a single session counselling service that acknowledges the urgency of the situation and aims to support you through what can be a difficult period.
It will focus on your unplanned pregnancy and support you to make decisions that are right for you. Sessions are available over the phone or face-to-face. Counselling empowers you to choose what to do about your pregnancy.
Unplanned pregnancy counselling:
- is optional
- should be neutral, unbiased and supportive of your choices
- gives you practical information and explores all options including abortion, adoption and parenting
- provides a confidential space for you to talk through your options
- provides you with support if you think you have made up your mind but still have some feelings of concern
- helps you with your decision-making (but does not make the decision for you)
- looks at the relevant parts of your life affecting your decision such as:
- family, relationships, safety, experiences of violence and controlling behaviour in relationships, past experiences around pregnancy and parenting, emotional wellbeing, financial situation, health, community and culture, religious and/or spiritual beliefs
- is short-term
- can refer you to other supports and services if you need them.
An unplanned pregnancy counsellor will:
- be guided by you
- see you as the expert in your own life and help you explore all your pregnancy options
- be confidential, discreet and sensitive to your needs.
An unplanned pregnancy counsellor will not:
- persuade you that any particular decision is best, or try and talk you out of your decision
- pressure you to make a decision by the end of the session
- make a diagnosis of you or ‘your problems’ (but they can refer you to other services if needed).
Warning
Counselling services can vary depending on the theories, beliefs and approaches used by the counsellor. Not all counselling is unbiased. Some organisations that offer ‘pregnancy counselling’ do not aim to discuss all of the pregnancy options in an unbiased way. Some pregnancy options counsellors may advise you against abortion because of their own beliefs. It’s a good idea to ask questions over the phone before making an appointment so you can get an idea if they will be neutral, unbiased, and support your choices.
How to find a counselling service?
1800 My Options is a confidential and free phone line and online service offering information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health. They can also help you find a counselling service that suits your needs.
Related information
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.