'Time For You' Counselling Services

Is it for me?

You are probably toying with the idea of seeing a counsellor but are, understandably, feeling a bit apprehensive. You may be wondering if it will help you to feel "better" and whether you will be able to trust and feel comfortable with the person. You may have had counselling before but felt that the counsellor was not on the same wavelength as you. It can be scary sitting in front of a stranger and sharing your deepest feelings.

Sometimes there is a sense of shame linked to the need for outside help - it feels to some like an admission of weakness. Yet often the opposite is true. It is the "strong" person that can end up in counselling. The "coper" who cannot accept their more vulnerable self. This person often keeps everything together for everyone else but is frightened for asking their needs to be met for fear of disapproval, anger, or which is often worse, plain lack of interest from those close to them.

Fact - others may not want you to change or they may want you to change too much!!

Counselling can help you to be who you want to be and to give you the strength to stand up to the individuals who want to keep you as you are, or change you, so that they themselves are more comfortable.

You may be one of the lucky ones with a good network of understanding people around you. The trouble is, the people closest to you have a vested interest in your life and how you feel directly affects them. Talking to someone impartial is of particular importance therapeutically as that person has no emotional ties to you; you can express your feelings in a safe place, knowing that you are not hurting anybody or being judged.

Life can be difficult. We jog along and then WHAM! -something happens that knocks us for six. It may be a bereavement, the end of a relationship or a redundancy but sometimes it is nothing particularly huge that brings you to counselling - it may be a series of smaller things over the years that have culminated in your mind and have started to affect the way you are in the present, or just a general feeling of lack of confidence, direction or worthlessness.

Setting aside some special time, once a week just for you, is important for your emotional well-being. A counsellor can help you get another perspective so that you can find a way forward that feels right FOR YOU.