What is counselling?
Counselling is a confidential talking therapy used to help people to understand and overcome any issues that may be important to them at this time. Counsellors do not offer advice or tell someone what to do. We believe that everyone has the power within themselves to make their own changes.
Who accesses counselling?
People seek counselling for many different reasons, sometimes it’s nothing specific that you can put your finger on. Other times it can be a known causes such as stress, personal relationships, anxiety, bereavement or loss, low confidence or self-esteem, depression, trauma, abuse, issues from childhood, caring for people with ill health. Or maybe we’ve just reached a point in our lives where we feel confused about what is troubling us and just need to talk to someone.
What stops people accessing counselling?
Quite often it is things we have been told by others and things we tell ourselves:-
- “I don’t want to waste the counsellors time”
- “I am being selfish taking this time just for me, what would people think?”
- “It doesn’t matter how I feel, as long as everyone else is ok”
- “I’m scared I will be judge or laughed at”
- “Counselling is for people who have been abused or traumatised, my stuff is insignificant compared to that”
- “I’ve got to be strong and asking for help is a sign of weakness”
- “It’s a waste of time”
- “I don’t want to burden them”
Does it work for everyone?
No, but it seems to offer some help to the majority of people so it’s worth a try. Your counsellor will check out with you to see if talking is helpful – if not they will help you look for something else.
How long does it take?
Each person that comes for counselling is unique so it depends on you and the difficulties you are experiencing. Some people need only a few sessions and others find they benefit from a longer term relationship over several months. Sessions usually last 50-60 minutes, once a week. The important thing is taking the time to get to a place where you feel you want to be.
Is it for me?
Often the hardest part is making the decision to pick up the phone and make an appointment. It is natural to feel nervous or uncertain when you decide to come for the first time. It is only when you finally meet the counsellor that you decide whether this is for you.
Will I feel better straight away?
Some people feel a sense of relief, mainly because they are being listened to for the first time. Others may feel more anxious or distressed because they have to pay attention to difficult feelings that they would prefer to ignore. In this situation, they may feel worse before they start to feel better. It is always best to share any concerns you have about how you are reacting to counselling with the counsellor.
How do I make an appointment?
The first step is to phone me to make an appointment for a consultation session. This is where we meet up and discuss any issues you feel are important to you in more detail. I will explain how I work and try to answer any question you may have. If you decide that therapy with me isn’t for you, there is no obligation to continue. If we do agree to work together, we can establish a suitable framework for the sessions ahead.
