What is counselling?

Counselling is often called 'Talking Therapy' because the benefit gained comes from the talking that takes place between you and your counsellor. Sharing your concerns and having someone to share the path that you are currently on can often help you clarify the problem yourself. This may sound simple but very often, when we are having difficulties and our thoughts whirl around in ever decreasing circles, explaining it all to someone not directly involved with your particular problem or set of circumstances can be very helpful to you. You may find yourself expanding your thinking again bringing a greater insight and awareness of your problem.

As a counsellor, I am trained to listen and will try to understand what you are feeling. I will reflect this back to you so that we both come to understand the issues more clearly. You will be offered an opportunity to look at your situation from several angles so that you can decide for yourself what you would like to try and do about it. You will be helped to recognise and draw on your own strengths and resources. You may even discover new qualities you didn't know you had. Not only is counselling a place to explore difficult issues, it also a space in which to grow and develop.

A Counsellor can:

• listen carefully to what you have to say 
• enable you to express your feelings 
• help you to explore and understand your difficulties 
• help you to try and find ways of managing these more effectively 

Although it may sometimes be appropriate to offer advice or guidance the emphasis is very much on enabling you to achieve change, rather than telling you what to do. The aim is to support you to find your own ways forward, believing that no one else can possibly know better than you how best to live your life. The counsellor's task is to help you to unlock the answers that are hidden somewhere inside you.