There are times in all of our lives when we feel unable to cope with our emotions, or maybe we are just confused with how we are feeling. The changes and challenges of life can be difficult. Sometimes the causes of problems seem clear and we know where to turn. At other times problems are difficult to understand and answers seem out of reach.
Counselling is a talking therapy based on mutual respect, where a trained professional will provide a confidential, safe space for you to talk about your feelings, and to explore your behaviour in order for you to understand yourself better. This knowledge can help you to live your life in a more positive and constructive way.
In some ways it may be easier to say what counselling is not. It is not usually about giving advice; a professional counsellor will use reflection and listening skills to enable you to gain insight into your situation, to help to empower you to seek your own solutions whilst being supportive. It is not like chatting through things with a friend or family member, counsellors are trained to listen in an impartial and non judgemental way which may feel different to how you have felt listened to in the past.
It is not always an easy journey, sometimes counselling can be challenging. You may experience painful feelings along the way, although this can be part of the healing process as you work towards resolving personal issues.
