How does counselling work?

Beginning a course of counselling can seem a bit daunting to start with, so it’s useful to know what to expect.

Why might I want to have counselling?

People have counselling for all kinds of reasons.  Some of these are listed here. You may be going through some kind of crisis and feel like you have nowhere to turn, or you may simply feel like your life is somehow unsatisfying, and you’d like to change it in some way. You may agree with one of the following:

• I want to learn from the present and find solutions
• I want to understand how my thoughts and actions influence my feelings, and how to change this
• I want to understand past experiences and feelings better

"Before counselling I told myself time and time again I was broken, wondering where the answers would come from and when. Therapy for me was me taking back control and figuring out the answers myself so that I could grow and carry the bad with the good without feeling like I had a boulder chained to my back." Client L.

How can counselling help me?

Counselling won’t “fix” you or provide a magical solution to your problems.  It will mean you look at what you are doing that creates difficulties for you, and help you to find your own ways to make positive changes.  It may not feel like it, but I believe you have your own answers- it’s a matter of finding them.  It is worth noting that sometimes looking into yourself like this can be a challenge, and the journey can take you out of your comfort zone.

"I had nine months of weekly sessions with Barbara starting in the summer of 2020. I initially sought counselling for co-dependency. Barbara helped me to explore why I felt I was co-dependent and what this meant for me in day-to-day life. What I found most helpful was the practical tips Barbara gave. I am a single mother of two young children and so any activities have to be quick. Most of the tips that Barbara gave me could be actioned in the moment and they had very quick results. In my discussions with Barbara we identified that the lead weight I felt in my stomach regularly was anxiety and so we explored that and worked on relieving it when the anxiety was becoming unhealthy. I liked that Barbara tailored everything to what I had the time to do and what I enjoyed. For example, I like to read so she would give me book suggestions. I also liked that the sessions were led by me and what was on my mind, but with direction from Barbara when I asked for it. I feel I have finished my counselling with a tool box of activities I can action when I am feeling overwhelmed or anxious, and a much clearer idea of boundaries and how to enforce them which has had a significant positive effect on my life. Thank you Barbara. " Client R.

Areas of Counselling I deal with

Whatsapp