What happens in counselling?

Counselling at its most simple is a conversation. In conversation with a therapist by externalising what is on our mind we can gain a perspective and understanding of ourselves that is new. This new understanding can lead to greater compassion for ourselves and bring opportunities to make new choices.

We may start by talking about your life now and what is happening for you at the moment as well as talking about the key relationships and the important supports and emotional resources that you have.

I might ask when the difficulties or challenges you are facing started as we begin to work through your journey together.

Sometimes, we can face strong feelings and not understand where they come from or feel that somehow we are stuck. However, by learning more about what is happening and working together we can help you understand with compassion how your feelings have developed.

Sometimes, the best way to help ourselves is to start by taking small actions to help us feel better as well as understanding ourselves better. In other situations, clients find their own compassionate understanding of themselves that enables them to feel freer.

For clients who have experienced or are still experiencing trauma a first step is to develop skills to help calm the nervous system and gain a sense of peace in the mind and body. Once we have the skills to steady ourselves, if therapy is longer term, and there is a safe and secure relationship with the therapist it can then, if the client feels ready, be time to explore these traumatic experiences further.

It is always important as a client to trust your instincts about what you feel able to share. Therapy can feel challenging at times and this is, in itself, a topic to share with the therapist.

How your therapeutic journey unfolds is going to be unique to you and needs to be based on your goals for therapy.

If you would like to know more do email with your questions.