What is Counselling?
Counselling is time set aside for you to talk to someone remote from your immediate situation about feelings, thoughts and behaviours which are causing difficulty or distress. Counselling is not about getting advice or having someone tell you how live your life. It is rather the opportunity to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour in a confidential setting with a trained counsellor who will not judge you, but listen carefully and help you explore new ways of looking at things. Sessions are usually arranged weekly, which allows time between sessions for a person to put into practice the things learned.
Who can be helped by Counselling?
Counselling is for anyone struggling to come to terms with what has happened in life, including the associated pain and distress. Sometimes recent events can stir up old and painful memories, which can become easier to cope with when sensitively explored and better understood. Counselling is also for anyone who wants to explore their life and increase understanding of self and relationships with others.
Can I talk about anything?
Yes, you can. Details of the counselling sessions will be confidential with certain understandable exceptions owing to the counsellor needing to be professionally accountable, to exercise a duty of care and to comply with UK law.
How long will it take?
It really depends on what is troubling you and what you want to achieve. Many people find that six sessions allows their issues to be adequately explored. However, more time may be required for deeper long-standing problems. The counsellor will periodically review progress with you. The frequency of sessions can be reduced to fortnightly or monthly as you start to feel better.
Can I Stop when I want to?
Yes, you can; it’s entirely up to you. You just need to let the counsellor know in advance with reasonable notice. However, it is usually best to plan a final session to ensure a good ending.