How do I know if I need counselling / psychotherapy?

Counselling sessions can help you to gain clarity on an issue, change old patterns, untangle complex personal issues, or embark on a journey of self-development. You may seek counselling as a result of a crisis, or you may be encouraged to seek counselling by family members, friends or colleagues.

What happens in a counselling session?

There is no typical counselling session. Your counsellor will be highly trained in listening and reflecting, and provides a safe environment in which to explore your issues. With most types of therapy you are free to discuss what you wish, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, and thoughts, to regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams.

Other, shorter-term forms of therapy like CBT can be more structured and provide practical exercises to help you understand your thoughts and actions. 

What issues can counselling help with?

anxiety (generalised anxiety problems, panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety, claustrophobia)

• workplace issues (stress, work-life imbalances)

• relationship issues (breakups, divorce, affairs, choosing inappropriate partners, loneliness, life adjustments, marital problems, arguments, jealousy, wedding and premarital issues)

• depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal)

• low self-esteem and lack of confidence

• sexual problems (impotence, internet/pornography/sex addiction, loss of desire, infertility)

• trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder from accidents, rape and other attacks/incidents)

• obsessive-compulsive disorder

• eating problems (including bulimia, binge eating, negative body image)

• phobias and fears

• addiction and substance misuse

• abuse (including physical, verbal, and sexual abuse)

• bereavement and grief