What is Counselling?

What is Counselling?

Counselling is what is sometimes called ‘talking therapy’, and this is a safe, confidential space for you to talk about anything that you may want to change in your life, or simply explore your feelings or thoughts.
Counselling is not about being advised on what you should do rather exploring your thoughts and feelings to try and uncover the root causes of problems you may be facing. It can help you understand, accept and overcome emotional issues or problems which may be quite long-standing.

Sometimes it may be difficult to discuss things with family or close friends and talking with someone who is not emotionally involved and impartial can be easier. A counsellor will take time to just listen to you without judgement in confidence.

People go to counselling for many different reasons, which can include-

• Depression or anxiety
• Bereavement or loss
• Relationship issues
• Anger issues
• Stress

​This is not an exhaustive list and people go for therapy for many different reasons such as job worries or losses, the death of a much-loved pet for instance.

Counselling is not always for people who have reached crisis point, it can also be a preventative measure, to manage difficult emotions before they get worse.

Although in the past it has been the norm for counselling to take place face-to-face, there are other options such as telephone or remote counselling with the use of video calls. These can be useful for people who struggle to get out or would prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home. It is also possible to take counselling sessions outdoors in the form of walking-talking therapy which involves walking outside in nature. This has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety in some people. Also, exercise is recognised as benefitting psychological health and mental well-being. You can set your own pace, so you don’t have to be super fit either!

It can be difficult to take that first step towards help, but counsellors are there to help you and acknowledging that you need help is the start of change.