Are you searching for someone to talk to, or struggling to move on from an event in your past?..

It can be hard to consider the idea of counselling, due to the social stigma that has historically been associated with talking therapy. In many countries, people are still scared to tell someone that they are experiencing mental health problems – all thanks to the fear of being judged. Thankfully, there has been a change toward public figures being open and honest about their own mental health issues, as well as several campaigns aimed at sharing the normality of mental health issues.

Counselling isn’t just for those with mental health conditions – it can help you handle difficult emotions, or help you with setting boundaries that allow you to feel more in control of your life. It can work in several different ways, ranging from one-to-one sessions to group therapy.

More recently, practitioners have been offering virtual sessions on video meeting platforms, which makes therapy more accessible for those who work or have other commitments that make it difficult for them to take time out of their day to physically attend a session. Different counsellors specialise in specific areas, so make sure that you find the right counsellor for you as it directly correlates with the success of your treatment.

If you haven’t decided if the counselling might be beneficial for you, this article might help you to decide. Read on to find out five major areas a counsellor can help you with.

 

Counsellor Can Improve Your Life Significantly By…

 

1. Creating a safe space

 

Sometimes, it can be hard to find a space where you can be truly open about how you’re feeling. This is especially true if the issue you’re struggling with involves your friends, family, or if you don’t have anyone to talk to who doesn’t know the people involved.

Counselling gives you that space without judgement, where you can explain everything that you’re feeling and work through it with a professional. They are there to listen without sharing their personal opinion, which can be difficult to grasp at first, especially if you like to know what people think of you. However, working through your thoughts in a space where you are the first priority can be incredibly freeing.

 

2. Helping you to process difficult events

 

If you’re struggling to process something that has happened to you, whether that’s an end of a relationship, family problems, childhood trauma or something else, it can be helpful to talk this through with an unbiased person. Sometimes, all it takes is the opportunity to speak openly and honestly so you can feel better prepared to stop the past holding you back.

For more difficult events, a series of sessions can help you to unpick the deeper issues at play, analyse how the situation made you feel and, if appropriate, techniques that can be used to help you cope. Working with a professional is the best way to tackle those deep-rooted problems, as they can guide you through a process of reflection and support you as you move forward.

 

3. Treating mental health conditions

 

If you’re worried that you’re experiencing mental health issues, it is always best to speak to a professional. They will be able to discuss your symptoms and help you to get an accurate diagnosis. Whilst they may suggest that you speak to your doctor, especially if they think that you should consider medication, they can be a good first person to speak to.

A counsellor can support you, helping you to discuss your emotions and work out a course of action to help you manage the condition you’re struggling with. One example of this is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is recommended for those with anxiety (it helps the individual challenge their negative thought processes to more rational and helpful ones).

 

4. Teaching how to work through difficult emotions

 

Emotions such as anger, self-blame or shame can be hard to tackle alone, as they sometimes feel like personality traits rather than something you can change. Working with a counsellor can help you to learn helpful techniques to manage these emotions. When managed, difficult emotions can have less effect on your life, so you can improve the relationships with people in your life. It may also help you to reduce stress and guilt, especially if you often regret what you’ve said.

 

5. Helping you to find your truth

 

Doing the vital work with a counsellor can help you to find calm and clarity about what you want from your life. This includes what you want from your relationships, both romantic and platonic, as well as how you manage your boundaries. Whilst a counsellor is not the same as a life coach (a life coach is generally recognised to look to the future, whilst a counsellor examines the past), doing therapy sessions can help you to clear your mind which, in turn, can help you to decide what you want in your future.

 

Conclusion

 

There’s no shame in wanting to talk to somebody who can listen to you without judgement. And honestly, we all deserve to be listened to, heard and supported. A counsellor can be a helpful option for hard times, difficult emotions and unstable situations (including emotional fragility). It’s okay to ask for help, and in most ways, talking to a counsellor can be enough to get relief, or a good starting point when you decide to finally prioritise your mental health.

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