What is Counselling?

Counselling is an informal discussion carried out in a comfortable and confidential setting without interruptions.

You will not be forced to disclose anything you don’t want to though being honest is best. It is not about being given advice but about being helped to find the best way for you to navigate your way through your difficulties with skilled professional support. This can help you achieve the best outcome for you as an individual.

It can seem really hard and stressful to change and we all respond in different ways; these responses build up over time and can become habitual and may no longer be the most effective way to react. It is possible to learn new ways to face life’s challenges so we may for example be able to form more fulfilling, long lasting relationships, be less aggressive and more assertive when appropriate, be on better terms with friends, family and work colleagues.

Many people, particularly in their thirties, feel unhappy that they have not achieved what they hoped for by this time in their lives. Others have achieved what they hoped for but find that this hasn’t made them happy. A reassessment of the situation can help to provide clarity and a more positive outlook.

Stress, Anxiety and Panic Disorder can really be helped by using breathing techniques and I use these where appropriate in my practice to help clients gain a sense of control.

If you would like more information on counselling you can visit BACP’s interactive website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk where you can find answers to some of the questions you may have. On this site you can learn more about the myths, truths and benefits of counselling, you can watch actors retell some clients experience of counselling. There are also suggestions for questions you might like to ask the therapist before and during your therapy