Decision Making

Decision-making can often feel bewildering and cause a great deal of anxiety for people. This is especially so when couples or individuals face decisions that can change the course of their lives. When decisions are made people often feel hurt and upset. Yet, when decisions are not made - when they have to be, people can get even more hurt. Such critical decisions can make people feel totally stuck.

Often people don’t know the range of decisions open to them. Sometimes they come to counselling having chosen an option that is proving unrealistic or unworkable. Sometimes people simply require a ‘sounding-board’ to run ideas past and counselling sessions can assist in this regard. Other times people want a professional ‘view’ of the choices that confront them. Some people need to check if what they think or feel is ‘normal’, fair or reasonable in the context of their situation and relationships.

Fergus has had extensive experience in helping clients navigate the difficult paths to satisfactory decisions. Adult decisions are often complex and frequently involve conflicting issues, feelings and commitments. It is often very hard to see a way though such decisions, trying to untangle the various issues – particularly when there are complex and powerful feelings involved.

Fergus takes considerable care separating the two elements of decision-making: the decision-making processes - that is how you come to decision; and the end product of a decision - the outcomes or results that you desire. Good decisions do not necessarily have an easy or quick process.

Perhaps the most misunderstood element of decision-making is that good decisions do not always make you feel good. Almost always, big decisions have to upset someone, and, often, tough decisions have to be made for a better outcome.

Good decisions are those that have a good and well-considered process. Good decisions are those that lead to the best chance of a better outcome for the people who are involved in that decision and, at the same time, make an effort to balance the conflicting interests that are often involved.