EVERY PERSON HAS PROBLEMS; SOME CHOOSE TO 'HIDE' THEIR PROBLEMS; OTHERS CHOOSE TO TALK ABOUT THEIRS...

What is Counselling? 

Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment. 

A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that you have. 

How can Counselling help? 

Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing you pain or making you feel uncomfortable.

It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They will not usually give advice, but will help you find your own insight and understanding of your problems. 

Counselling can help you to:

• cope with a bereavement or relationship breakdown
• cope with redundancy or work-related stress
• deal with issues that are preventing you from achieving your ambitions
• deal with feelings of depression or sadness, and have a more positive outlook on life
• understand yourself and your problems better
• feel more confident
• develop a better understanding of other people's point of view

In most cases, it takes a number of sessions before the counselling starts to make a difference, and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy. 

What to expect from counselling 

During your counselling sessions, you will be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions freely. By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you to gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems. 

The counsellor may encourage you to identify issues and, if appropriate, take personal responsibility for them. They will be able to help you recognise the effects of other people and their actions, and explore alternative ways of coping with them. It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution. 

A good counsellor will focus on you and listen without judging or criticising you. They may help you find out about how you could deal with your problems, but they should not tell you what to do. 

What is the difference between a counsellor,

a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

• counsellors - trained to provide counselling to help you cope better with your life and any issues you have
• clinical and counselling psychologists - healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing and treating mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies
• psychiatrists - qualified medical doctors who have received further training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions