What Is Counselling ?

If you have an image in your mind of lying on a couch and talking about your childhood whilst the therapist takes notes on a clipboard, most counselling could not be further removed from this image. 

We offer Person Centred counselling, an approach which allows the client the freedom to explore the issues which feel most relevant to them now, in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.  At times in our lives, we can all find ourselves in a place where we feel 'stuck' or that we 'just can't cope' with what life is throwing at us. Counselling can empower us to look at our feelings and the issues which are causing them and find a way through  - a bridge to better place. 

As Person Centred counsellors , we are not here to tell you what to do. We respect you as the expert in your life. Our role is to get alongside you, to actively listen and understand how you are feeling. Our aim is to enable you to explore your thoughts and feelings, so you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the situations which brought you to counselling. Through this understanding comes clarity and empowerment to move forward. 

Can counselling help me ?

You may be asking yourself "Do I really need counselling?" or "Isn't it just for people with real problems?". Our experience is that people come to counselling for a huge variety of reasons,  from work-related stress , bereavement, and relationship issues, right through to severe anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. If you feel the need to talk to someone and are struggling to deal with issues on your own, then the likelihood is that counselling will provide you with the space and support you need .

At your 1st session, we will explore together your reasons for seeking counselling , your expectations and your goals. If you decide that counselling is not right for you, then you have complete freedom to choose not to continue any further. We always look to assist our clients in any way we can, and if we feel it appropriate, may offer you referrals to other types of support which may be more appropriate to your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

We find that our clients often have a number of questions they are seeking answers to.  Click here for our FAQ page, which we hope will provide you with what you would like to know.

Additional Support and Information Links

We find that people who are contemplating seeking counseling, sometimes welcome the opportunity to explore support resources more widely, especially those which may be available free of charge, and which enable them to make informed choices about meeting their individual needs. If this is of interest to you, then please see our Resource Page.