What is Counselling?
Most of us need someone to talk to, who listens and accepts us, especially when we are going through a bad time. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a professional than a relative or a friend. Counsellors are trained to listen attentively and to help you find your own answers to questions, without judging you. Sometimes the causes of our unhappiness seem fairly clear and we know where to turn to for help. At other times our problems may be difficult to understand and we can find no answers. A counsellor can help you understand your problem and support you through a difficult time. Counselling can also help you explore your feelings about a situation in more depth, to understand what has led to your difficulties and work towards living in a happier and more fulfilled way. Who is Counselling for? People seek therapy for a variety of reasons ... Sometimes people need help with a specific issue. Perhaps you are trying to manage a relationship difficulty with a partner, a parent or your children ... or are feeling unhappy in your working life ... you might be having sexual difficulties or be worried about money ... or perhaps you need help with the loss of a loved one or an illness affecting your life. At other times people need to take stock of their lives or are feeling a more general malaise. You may be depressed or anxious or be experiencing a lack of confidence or are having outbursts of anger. Perhaps you are working with a creative block or need support with a spiritual or cultural crisis. What to expect ... An initial session is an opportunity to meet each other, to explain your problems in your own words and explore what you hope to gain from therapy/ to look at how counselling may help. Then if you decide to continue, you would agree a regular time to meet with your counsellor each week. Counselling may be for an agreed limited period or 'open-ended'. For more information or to make an introductory booking, see our list of practitioners opposite. Further information on: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy |