We all have times when we feel sad, worried, afraid, depressed, angry, hurt, abandoned or even overwhelmed. It can help to talk to friends or family, but they may not have the time you need or they may get over-involved. Maybe you don't wish to share really intimate problems with them. Sometimes it is difficult to make sense of our lives and understand why we react in a particular way and we may feel unable to change or to cope with what is happening.
It is at difficult times like these when a growing number of people decide to talk things over with a professional counsellor or psychotherapist; someone who is trained to be supportive and listen attentively and to help you through your ‘bad patch.’
Counselling is about sharing your troubles with a non-judgemental listener, in a safe and supportive setting. Your counsellor is someone who will help you to understand how events from the past and worries about the future or lack of confidence are preventing you from moving on with your life. Counselling will also give you a chance to stop, listen to yourself and find your own answers from within. A counsellor will treat you with respect and without judgement. With counselling you can rest assured that what you say will be kept confidential.
Counselling is not about telling you what to do or giving advice; it is about being encouraged to use your own resources to make your choices.
[How counselling can help]
