What is Counselling
Past hurts and experiences can affect feelings in the present, and some people unable to see 'The Wood from the Trees', find themselves in, or overcome by difficulties.
Talking honestly and openly to a trained confidential counsellor can help unravel and explore these hurts, experiences and feelings. This promotes perhaps for the first time, understanding of their own unique story.
This awareness can be therapeutic and life changing. Clients can evaluate their own emotional issues and reach decisions which could alter, and/or affect their whole life. (Their behaviour, character, circumstances and values).
Counselling is about listening using empathy. It isn't making judgements, advising people what to say or do, or finding solutions for the client.
It is about helping clients find their own way to a happier and more fulfilled life.
The purpose of Counselling
The purpose of counselling is to give clients an opportunity to express themselves freely. To talk openly and honestly about their worries, concerns, problems, issues, difficulties, experiences, feelings, and other aspects of their lives in a safe, controlled and confidential environment, with a person who doesn't have any other agenda than to offer them non-judgemental acceptance, to listen empathically, and to help and support them for as long as it is needed.
Unburdening past and present hurts, problems and feelings, can promote a client's 'Well-Being', and this can lead to a deeper understanding about themselves as individuals. This can alter their perceptions and attitudes which enables them to make decisions and/or changes which they weren't able to do before.
The purpose of counselling is to help clients take responsibility for their actions, behaviours and attitudes, as well as help them deal with their feelings, concerns, issues and problems more effectively.
The Counsellors Role
A counsellor should:
- Provide you with a safe, secure and confidential environment.
- Agree a contract with the client which includes dates, times, issues the client wants to discuss, explore and work through, and goals which can be achieved within a certain time frame.
- Be non- judgemental, genuine, respectful, and encourage the client to talk openly and honestly.
- Listen to the client using full acceptance and empathy, which supports and help the client explore, understand and deal with their feelings, difficulties and situations more effectively. (whether practically or emotionally).
- Assist the client in evaluating their lives, and helping them to develop strategies which help them either accept or, change their situation.
- Promote a clients 'Well-Being' and their independence, in the shortest possible time frame.
- Work within the ethical guidelines of the counselling framework.
Issues in Counselling
Hope for life works with individuals, couples, families or groups who would like to discuss past or present difficulties, behaviour and/or concerns such as:
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Anger
- Bereavement or loss
- Low self esteem
- Communication and/or relationship problems
- Addiction e.g. Alcohol or drug related problems
- Transition or emotional issues
- Redundancy and/or employment concerns
- Financial difficulties
- Abuse either verbally, mentally or physically
- Separation or divorce
These are only a few examples of difficulties we all face from time to time and it is not an exhaustive list, so please phone or email if you require support for another issue..
Benefits of Counselling
It isn't possible to guarantee the benefits of counselling because each individual is unique. Everyone has their own opinion about it, and therefore have different responses to it. However, the benefits of counselling can be very positive and life changing.
Talking about worries and concerns relating to difficulties in life, can heal us from the past and our ingrained belief system. This healing can bring hope for the future and allows us to live our lives the way we've always wanted.
It can be liberating. Exploring difficult experiences from the past gives us an insight and understanding about why we are the way we are, and this can provide us with a new perspective about the present and the future.
Sometimes the benefits is simply having the opportunity to talk freely and openly about things you've never been able to say to close friends, partners or family.
Who might benefit from counselling?
Counselling is for anyone who wants space to be able to talk and to feel heard. It could be that you are feeling unable to cope, depressed, anxious and alone and challenged by life's circumstances. Memories of the past, painful events in the present or worries about the future may be stopping you from enjoying life. You may be unable to work, socialise or achieve your goals. Maybe you want to increase your self awareness, to be able to make decisions or to build self-confidence. It may help to talk to someone in confidence.
Contract
- We are committed to providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
- We work within the counselling framework and aim to deal with issues in the shortest time frame.
- After an initial free assessment we agree payment and time contract with the client which can be reviewed, changed or canceled at any time. In certain circumstances home visits can be negotiated.
Charges
£25 per session for individuals.
£35 per session for couples.
£45 per session for mediation or groups.
* Evening, Weekends and Home visits will incur an extra £5 - £10 charge.
Concessions are available to those who are on small incomes, students, OAPs.
