Counselling is a process of exploring and understanding thoughts, feelings, behaviours and patterns. It is a form of “talking therapy”, where people can discuss their challenges with a trained professional who will listen. It helps people to make sense of their life experiences and find ways to change or solve problems. It provides short term help with emotional and mental health related troubles.
Counselling is useful for people who are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life, or who just want some help with managing their problems. Having someone to talk to can assist with finding solutions, clarifying feelings and understanding what is behind difficulties. Counselling provides a safe and confidential space in which to explore difficulties without judgement or pressure.
Counselling is often sought for a short period of time and may only explore some of the surface difficulties, focusing on the here and now. Counsellors can help with a wide range of issues. They do not tell people what to do, but rather facilitate the exploration of the issue(s) someone is facing. Counselling can help people to:
- Identify and explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are causing problems or concern.
- Explore difficult situations and make decisions that may improve your life.
- Develop effective strategies for dealing with difficult situations and emotions.
- Improve communication skills in relationships, work and leisure activities.
Counsellors may work with individuals, couples or groups. Couples counselling is a form of relationship counselling, where couples seek help to resolve problems they are experiencing in their relationship. It can be used as a way to address pre-existing issues between partners or following separation and divorce.
Counselling is an important first step in receiving support, but it is not the only option. Counselling can be used to explore what has been happening in your life and how that might affect you.
If you have an questions or would like to explore this further, please feel free to reach out to the team or complete our self referral form
“The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.”
Sigmund Freud