What is Counselling?

Counselling falls under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and allows people to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. People choose to speak to a counsellor because they feel they cannot speak to their other half, friends or even their family about such personal issues, or they may simply wish to speak to a professional with an objective viewpoint.

Hence, counselling involves a professional relationship between a client and a trained counsellor who has the desire and willingness to help the client accomplish his/her individual goals. It is a process of talking about and working through the client’s personal problems with a counsellor; the counsellor help the client to address his/her problems in a positive way by helping them to clarify the issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase self-awareness, which lead client to a greater understanding of themselves, and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies.

Counseling involves sharing sensitive, personal, and private information that may at times be distressing. During the course of counseling, there may be periods of increased anxiety or confusion. The outcome of counseling is often positive; however, the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable.

Counselling is not a quick fix and changes take time.  The number of sessions required is individual to each client and is dependent on the nature and complexity of the client's concerns and their commitment to work on the presenting issues.

Additional reference: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/