Perceptions of counselling
Many people have normal concerns and anxieties prior to seeing a counsellor. People have described experiences prior to, and after, counselling as thus:
- "I feel stupid going to see a counsellor" - people often feel anxious or "silly" coming for counselling. But if something is bothering you, no matter how small you might think it is, I can help you to deal with it. People come to see me with all kinds of 'stuff' they want to work on.
- "My problem is too big/small to take to a counsellor" - I am willing to help you to deal with any problems, or issues that you may have, or which may arise throughout your counselling, nothing is too big, or too small.
- "It's like having your own space to be who you really are...it's empowering" - counselling can lead to a sense of freedom, like a weight has been lifted.
- "I don't like talking about myself, but I got used to it" - I work in different styles to help you with this, we will discover what is the best approach for you.
- "What if the counsellor doesn't understand me?" - I would facilitate this process until I do understand
More quotes:
- "It's like talking to someone who really listens without judging you"
- "It's a place where I could unravel the messy ball of my problems"
- "It was like being in another world, and then when I finished each session, something in the normal world had changed" Young person aged 12
- "The counsellor helped me get what I wanted from therapy" Young person aged 17
- "Counselling was a place where I could touch down at, it was a place where I felt grounded"
- "Counselling could be draining, but worthwhile"
- "It was a cathartic process"
