There are different ways to provide counselling or therapy but in general it will give you the opportunity to discuss, explore and express in confidence whatever may be going on for you with a trained and professional counsellor or therapist. It will provide a safe space for you to work through past issues, current difficulties, painful thoughts and feelings, and future life decisions.
Sometimes it’s not easy to talk to friends and family about certain issues – whether from the past or about what’s happening in your life right now. Having the opportunity to talk to a trained listener in confidence, and feel someone has really heard you and understood how things are for you is a hugely validating experience.
Your counsellor will help you to explore and work through any issues you choose to bring to counselling with care and insight. They may help you to look a little deeper at what’s going on for you, and perhaps offer another perspective which you have not thought about. Really exploring your issues in this way within a safe and trusting relationship can bring about a greater understanding of your situation and help you to see a way forward. It can increase your self-awareness whereby you get to know yourself better. It can help you to feel more in control of your life, increase your inner strength and ability to cope.
One of the most important aspects of counselling is the therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor. Working through issues with someone without fear of judgement but with understanding and acceptance often leads people to feel more accepting of themselves. When this happens growth and change occurs naturally.
