Every one of us will experience problems during our life. Often we can work through these ourselves, with
the help of family or friends, but sometimes things just seem to get too difficult and we can feel lost or overwhelmed. Think of a confusing jigsaw when all the pieces are difficult to match together. Talking about a problem in counselling is like sorting out all the pieces so we can begin to build a picture that makes more sense to us.

It can be difficult to talk to other people about things that are making us anxious. I am trained to listen to you very carefully. I will not judge you or tell you what to do. By trying to put myself in your shoes, and by bringing a knowledge and understanding of the origins of psychological distress, we can work together to explore your issues and work out the best way forward.

Counselling is about helping you to work things out for yourself, making decisions and choices and helping you to look at things differently.

What kinds of things do people talk about in counselling?

Whatever matters to them. Whatever is worrying for them. It could be about lots of different things. Here are some examples of problems and some thoughts, questions and feelings that you may have.

How does counselling work?

Having thoughts, feelings and worries listened to, clarified and understood by someone who is not directly involved can be hugely beneficial. Often, people find having a confidential setting and regular time to talk enables them to build a trusting relationship within which to understand themselves better. Sometimes just 'talking things through' can help people to feel clearer or more confident about something they had in mind already. It's a bit like working in a team; together you can find the best way forward for you.