What is counselling?

The NHS website defines counselling as: “A talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues."

From leaving school I was in admin, but I never felt as if I was doing the thing I wanted to do, it always felt as if there was something missing. I kept looking for courses to do and counselling kept coming up again and again but I wasn't confident enough to go on my own. A friend joined me for a 6 week 'Introduction to Counselling', she finished after it ended, I didn't, I will be forever grateful that she came along and gave me the confidence to carry on, I went through all of the training and I found that something that was missing.

Now I am fully qualified and a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Registration number 387043.

There are times when anyone, no matter how 'strong' they see themselves can experience anxiety, depression or stress. No matter how confident someone comes across there are times that they don't feel 'good enough'. The happiest of people experience sadness, anger or feel alone, even when surrounded by others.

I've lost count of the times that, when someone asks how I am, I've replied, "I'm fine thank you", when, in reality I wasn't, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by a fist, I was mentally exhausted and just wanted to climb under the duvet and hide. Sound familiar? It wasn't until I went to see a counsellor that I realised I didn't have to be 'fine'.

What people 'see' is not always what is REALLY going on, the smile can hide the feeling of sadness, of feeling trapped or scared. Behind that smile or the appearance of being confident can be someone who feels insecure, anxious or is hiding a deep sadness.

With a counsellor, you can be open and honest, you don't have to hide what is hurting you, you will have someone to be there with you, who can walk with you but stay grounded.

Counselling can also help to improve your self-esteem and your self-confidence. You are in charge of your own future and your choices.

Sharing how we feel with our loved ones can be difficult, feeling that they won't understand, will judge us, dislike us, will tell others or, maybe they will reject us. Talking to a counsellor can help you to understand yourself.

I can provide you with a safe space where we can start to untangle that ball of emotions and thoughts and things will become clearer.

Most people find that they only need 6-12 sessions, maybe less, but everyone is different.

I am naturally empathetic, warm and genuine. Our relationship will be built on trust where we can explore what is going on for you, there will be no judgement and no telling you what to do, you are your own expert in you.

It is OK not to be OK.