What is counselling?

Counselling is a planned session of time, in a safe and confidential space where you can talk to a trained professional about your issues or concerns.

With your counsellor you can explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and others.

A counsellor will listen without judgement and will work hard to fully understand you. Even if your life experience is very different from theirs, they will do their utmost to see the world from your perspective.

They may offer information but they will not tell you what to do, or prescribe medication, rather they will support you to find your own solutions or way forward. The aim is to bring about effective change or to enhance your wellbeing.

You can choose to see a counsellor on your own, as a couple, a family or in a group with other people who have similar concerns. In my Clent Hills Counselling practice I specialise in individual therapy.

You can work with a counsellor face to face in their counselling room, talk to them on the telephone or online. Some counsellors will make home visits and for more information on this visit the BACP website. At Clent Hills Counselling I offer face to face and online counselling.

What can I expect?

We will meet at an agreed time and place. The meeting space will be ‘safe’ and you cannot be overheard.

During your session we will look at the things that have brought you to therapy. You might want to talk about some of the following:

• Current or past life events,
• Relationships,
• Feelings and emotions,
• Patterns of thinking or behaviours.
• Situations you find difficult

Whilst counselling is most often about speaking and listening it is not the only medium that is used, for example sometimes you may choose to use art, writing, worksheets, practical activities, relaxation or breathing exercises.

Some counselling clients like to plan ahead for each session so they know what they will be exploring, others prefer to focus on what they are feeling on the day. You can discuss how you prefer to work with your counsellor.

How to get the most out of your counselling?

Counselling works best when you are committed to the process and feel able to be open and honest with your counsellor. I want to hear how you are really feeling and for you to feel safe disclosing and discussing sensitive issues.

This might feel challenging to begin with if you are unused to sharing or we have only just met. Take your time and remember a counsellor understands and is not going to judge you or tell you what you should be doing.

For us to be able to work together effectively you also need to feel able to give me honest feedback and tell me if I have got something wrong or the approaches, we are using, are not working for you.

What kinds of things can counselling help with?