As you have found my website, you may be thinking about getting help to resolve something difficult in your life. Some people feel there is a stigma to having counselling and may hold back for fear of being seen as weak or ill. It can be scary to take the first step and seek support, but the outcome can be transformative. Professional organisations such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy can provide further guidance (see www.bacp.co.uk).
When choosing a counsellor it is best to select one who is professionally qualified and is a registered member of a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This is usually shown on their website by the relevant logo such as the one I have at the bottom of my homepage.
If you’re worried about someone else’s mental health then you’re probably wondering what you can do to help. It can be very difficult to talk about mental health and suggest counselling. Simply listening to them and showing empathy for what they’re going through is a great first step. If you would like to suggest other places they can get help and support then please see the Links page for contact details for Mind and Samaritans and other organisations.
Some counsellors offer telephone or video call (WhatsApp and Zoom) counselling as I do if you’d rather not see them face to face. The anonymity this provides can be helpful for some people as is the convenience of not having to travel. However not seeing someone face to face can restrict the work that the therapist and client can do together. In the end it’s a balanced judgement for you to make.
Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling. Just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference. Counselling provides a set time in a safe place to explore your feelings and talk about your problems. A counsellor can help you understand why you feel the way you do and develop better ways of coping, allowing you to live your life more fully.
