Counselling
Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you to find ways to deal with emotional issues. Sometimes the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a type of therapy in its own right.
Counselling can help you with:
- A mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder
- An upsetting physical health condition such as infertility
- A difficult life event, such as bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress
- Difficult emotions such as low self-esteem or anger
- Other issues, such as sexual identity
There are different types of counselling available but you will be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions with a trained therapist, who will listen and support you without judging or criticising. They may help you to gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes and find your own solutions to problems. They will not usually give you advice or tell you what to do though.
Different methods of counselling could include:
- Face to face
- In a group / group therapy
- Over the phone / remote
- By email
- Online through live chat services
There are also self-help therapies that are available and can be good to work through in your own time and if you’re short on time or want therapy that is completely anonymous.
Self-Help Books
There are lots of books and online publications available that can be used to help you. Check whether the book has been written by as counsellor or therapist who has experience if you are looking to follow a programme. Sometimes there are books available from celebrities who have been through similar things and these can help some people.
If you feel that you need more support and you are not in a place to be able to help yourself on your own then you can speak to your GP who can help to support you with further help.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It’s most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.