Counselling can help with the following:

You are not alone BACK TO TOP

Sometimes, worries, personal problems, painful memories, fears, can become so overwhelming that you no longer have the ability to cope .Although friends and family may be supportive it can often be very difficult to talk through personal problems with them. It is at times like this that talking to a professional counsellor can bring great help and relief.

What is a counsellor? BACK TO TOP

A counsellor is someone who is trained to listen objectively and without judgement, allowing you to talk and discuss freely, bottled up feelings such as anger, grief, anxiety, shame, guilt embarrassment in a way you never could with family or friends.

Talking through your feelings and being able to express yourself in a secure and safe place can often help reduce the pain and hurt, making negative feelings easier to understand and accept.

However, a counsellor is far more than just a good listener. They can also help you understand your feelings. Helping you to explore the areas within your life, and the feelings associated with them, that have brought you to where you are. This insight can often enable you to make choices instead of feeling like a powerless victim.

What issues may be addressed? BACK TO TOP

Depression, grief, anxiety, eating difficulties, relationship problems, are all areas which may be addressed. If unsure if your problem can be addressed please call and ask.

What happens in the first meeting? BACK TO TOP

Many people are anxious at their first appointment. This appointment is designed to gain an overview of your difficulties, how life is for you, how it was in the past and what you want from the sessions. You do not have to discuss anything you do not want. However, it is important that you are as open as possible. At the end of the session the best way forward will be discussed.

What will happen within the session? BACK TO TOP

The therapist will listen carefully, try to understand and help you make sense of your difficulties. There is no "magic cure" for your problems. The therapist will take responsibility for working jointly with you to solve your issues and find a better way for you to go forward with your life.

Who is counselling for? BACK TO TOP

Unfortunately, prejudice about emotional distress may stop people from using talking treatments, which they would benefit from. Many people see it as a sign of weakness or inadequacy to seek help in this way. The truth is very different; facing one's difficulties is a strength not a weakness, as is finding better ways of living.

How long will I need to see a therapist? BACK TO TOP

This may be for one appointment, it may be for a few sessions or be ongoing - depending upon what you and the therapist decide between you.

Are the sessions confidential? BACK TO TOP

Yes, except all therapists require supervision with a senior practitioner. The only other time confidentiality is broken is if serious and harmful risks are involved. This will be discussed with you. Please feel free to ask questions about any concerns.

Differences between Counselling & Psychotherapy BACK TO TOP

Counselling tends to focus on specific life problems or areas in your life you maybe finding difficult - for example bereavement. Although it does deal with many of the same issues as counselling, psychotherapy works at a much deeper level where more deep seated personal issues are involved.

Choosing between Counselling and Psychotherapy BACK TO TOP

If you unsure which therapy is best suited to your particular problem we can easily arrange a free consultation with a counsellor. This will give you the opportunity for you to talk confidentially about your problem and also let the counsellor assess the best therapy for you.