About counselling

What is counselling and how does it work?

Counselling is the process by which a trained and appropriately qualified counsellor helps a client to communicate and gain insight into the client’s experiences and concerns.

Clients can expect to be given time and space to talk in the safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment provided by the counsellor. The counsellor listens carefully to the client, conveying acceptance and empathic understanding. Difficulties experienced by the client might be confined to one area, such as work related issues, or may be spread over many aspects of their life including the way they have begun to feel about themselves.

The counsellor may help the client to explore different approaches, perspectives or options and assist in assessing, along with the client, the value of embarking on a process of planned change. She does not make decisions on behalf of a client or recommend a particular course of action, she provides impartial support. The aim is that the counsellor help empower the client.

What is CBT and how can it help?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a particular model of counselling that is recognized as being very effective in helping clients with a range of difficulties from eating disorders to OCD and depression. A cognitive behavioural therapist supports a client by a) highlighting the link between the client’s thoughts, behaviour and feelings and then b) collaborating with the client to plan a process of cognitive and behavioural change aimed at enhancing the client’s feeling of well-being.

The client is responsible for putting the plan into action between sessions and keeping records for further exploration with the therapist.