What is counselling?

How does counselling work and what can it do for you?

Are you in need of some extra support?  
There is no shame in this.  
In fact, we all need some extra support from time to time. As people we go through many different experiences 
And these experiences can affect us in many different ways. 
Some people may want to deal with things then and there, other may avoid the way they feel, others may struggle to understand how or why they are feeling the way they do. That can result in all different emotions. 
Some people may cry, some people may feel numb, others may feel angry. All of these responses are completely normal and our own bodies Personal way of trying to deal with what is going on.  
 
Some people may feel comfortable asking for help whilst other may not 
But the one thing that is true for all of us is that having a safe, non-judgemental place where you are seen, listened to and fully heard is a great place to start in working through these experiences and feelings.  
 
What to expect from start to finish 
 
Firstly, you can either be referred to counselling or you can refer yourself. 
Once the referral has been picked up by the counsellor, the counsellor will then be in touch with you to arrange a comfortable time for you to both meet.  
During your first meeting you will be welcomed in a safe space where you are safe, not judged and actively listened to so you can discuss any worries or questions you might have. If you decide that counselling is the right place for you, your counsellor may then talk you through their personal counselling contract. Do not worry this is nothing scary. This is just what to expect and what will be offered to you. For example, a counsellor will not tell you what to do, they will listen and explore your feelings exactly as you feel them and offer you a safe place to do this where you do not feel judged, unseen or unheard. They may also explain how confidently works and how many sessions will be offered to you to begin with. They may also talk through what to do if you cannot attend and how a counselling session works and what the endings of counselling may look and feel like.