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What is counselling?
Life presents us with challenges, problems, anxieties, crises, ‘watersheds’, sadness, losses, bereavements and sometimes just a general feeling of meaninglessness, that things do not feel good, or could be better.
Many of us manage or cope with these challenges - sometimes it feels we have little choice - but every now and then we can get in front of someone who really listens. The load seems to be shared or to lighten. It might be a friend, relative or someone in the caring professions.

How can this help?
Thoughts often go around and around in our minds. People find that when they voice their thoughts to another person they can hear their thoughts for themselves in a different way. This in turn seems to avoid the ‘loop tape’ effect of persistent troubling thoughts, and allows a person to make a shift in their feelings.
Counselling can offer help with low mood, bereavement, relationship difficulties, confidence building.

What will happen?
If you’ve never communicated with a counsellor before, you may wonder what it is that happens or how it can help. Usually, people will start by saying what it is that is troubling them. Others will find this difficult to do and not something they are used to. That is ok. You will go at your own pace. Some people worry that they will have to go into every detail of their background and family history. That may not be necessary, although some reference to your family will usually come up naturally within the sessions. You will be in control of what you want to disclose.

How many sessions will I need?
Effective work can be done in as few as 4 – 6 sessions. Some issues may take longer but could also be taken in blocks of 6 with negotiated goals. Different clients with various issues may choose to have longer-term therapy. You will be able to discuss what will be most beneficial for you.

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