Some people think that therapy is an extreme option, and that unless things get really bad you should try to manage on your own. But this isn't the case. Getting support from a therapist before you reach your lowest point can be helpful because it might feel easier to reflect on what's going on before you reach crisis point.
Sometimes, it's hard to talk to your friends and family about what is troubling you, and your reasons for not sharing your problems may be varied; we don't want to burden people; we don't want to bore people with our woes; our troubles will be too much for the people we love to cope with; they won't be interested; they won't understand; we just don't want them to know what's going on. This is where seeing a counsellor can help you. It offers you the opportunity to share what is going on for you with one person, who is going to really listen to you and focus on your needs.
There are several different theoretical and therapeutic approaches to counselling. But what they all have in common is a collaborative process based on the relationship between you and your counsellor. This therapeutic relationship provides you with a supportive space to help you to talk openly about your thoughts and feelings to a non-judgemental counsellor who listens closely, hears what you are saying and helps you to interpret what is going on for you. Together, you and your counsellor work to identify what it is that underlies your current feelings. We work to change the negative thought and behaviour patterns that are making your life difficult to bear.
As the work progresses, you will begin to have unexpected and valuable insights into how you are living your life and you may be pleasantly surprised by some of the things that you start to learn about yourself. You will begin pick up and integrate into your daily life new ways of thinking and behaving that will enable you to become more resourceful and better able to cope with any future challenges that life throws at you.
Counselling does not offer a 'quick fix', but it can help you to achieve insight and understanding about why you might be struggling with life. It is through that understanding that you can learn to change your patterns of behaviour and also come to accept yourself more fully, enabling you to lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.
If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you then the best thing to do is to come for an initial assessment to get a sense of what it feels like to talk to me. During that session we can discuss together whether I am the right person for your needs.
If you would feel more comfortable speaking to me on the phone before arranging a session then you are welcome to call me on 07966 396199 or email me to arrange a brief telephone conversation to talk through your concerns.
©2022 Philippa Robinson
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