Private Counselling Service
Laura Keane Dip.Couns, MBACP (Accred)
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy to help people come to terms with any problems they may be facing, with the ultimate aim of overcoming them. In 50 - 60 minute sessions it offers you the opportunity to explore personal issues in a private and confidential environment with a trained individual who is not a friend or relative, which can often provide a new perspective. It is a joint process that requires dedication and active involvement, helping you explore feelings, thoughts and personal experiences in order to work towards finding your own solutions. Some people choose to see a counsellor because they do not feel comfortable talking to friends and family about sensitive and personal issues, and some decide to seek out professional help in order to get a more experienced and objective viewpoint from a trained therapist.
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Evidence from research studies have shown that counselling can help with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, bullying, trauma, relationships issues, abuse and illness.
A counsellor is not going to sit there and listen to your problems and then tell you what to do, or offer advice. Instead they will encourage you to talk about your problems, listen to what it is that is bothering you, without interrupting you or judging you. By doing this the counsellor aims to uncover any root causes and identify your specific ways of thinking and possible destructive patterns of behaviour. The counsellor may then look to create a plan of action using their experience and counselling theories in order to either help you resolve your issues, or assist you in finding ways of coping. There are a range of different types of therapies and I, as your therapist, will discuss this with you and decide on the most suitable option according to your requirements.
Along with the necessary qualifications and experience to facilitate your healing, I firmly believe that the most integral part of the counselling journey is the relationship you have with your therapist. It is important that you have a certain amount of trust in order to feel comfortable enough to open up and explore your innermost feelings and deepest emotions, whilst perhaps feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable at times. This is where the relationship you have with your counsellor is vital and should be something to bear in mind when choosing one that’s right for you.
Counselling is a joint venture between counsellor and client so it is important that you find a counsellor who you can trust and who you can feel comfortable and at ease with.