Why do people come for counselling?
The vast majority of people do so simply because they are experiencing difficulties and problems with situations that occur in everyday life.
The counselling process allows you to explore your own values and beliefs and to understand how to challenge yourself to make positive changes in your life. Counselling can provide empowerment and can also enable you to view your problems from a clearer perspective.
People seek help from a counsellor so that they can gradually take back control of their life. The counsellor will listen, challenge your thinking and help you to identify possible solutions.
What types of things can I talk about?
- Feeling low or like you’ve lost your way?
- Lonely or isolated?
- Feeling worried or panicked?
- Stressed out over work?
- Lost a loved one?
- Got relationship problems?
- Big life change? Moving house, job, area?
- Being made redundant?
- Do you got lack confidence?
- Issues relating to your sexuality or gender?
- Do you have an addiction or struggling with someone’s addiction?
- Are you being bullied or abused physically, emotionally or sexually?
- Are you just stuck, feeling like you can’t move forward or make changes?
This is by no means an exhaustive list and whatever the reason, people find one of the main benefits to counselling is the opportunity to be able to explore and discuss anything in a safe, secure and confidential place. Request your session here
“This was my first experience of counselling and fortunately I spotted that I needed to talk things through. When I look back to the beginning of counselling I see a person I don’t recognise doing things untypical of me. It (counselling) took time and effort and sometimes I doubted its usefulness…resistance maybe? Now ‘the past is in the past’ and I can move forward more confident in living my life more effectively.” Will, 39
“I felt really at ease in my sessions and also that my counsellor was both completely supportive and had a real understanding of my issues.” Jane, 28.
“My counsellor saw me at very short notice over the Christmas period. She was very easy to talk to and caring…not just shuffling me out of the door dead on the end of appointment time.” Frances, 47
Why do people come for coaching?
Coaching enables people to explore what it is that they want in life and tap into their own latent ability to achieve it.
In a safe non-judgemental environment, supported and encouraged by your coach all the negative doubts are replaced with the positive self-confidence to challenge and break through the barriers that separate you from your dream.
Your coach is your sounding boardbut will also be both challengingand motivational.
Coaching is about:
The International Coach Federation defines coaching as “an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses, or organisations.
- Making changes for the better
- Believing in possibilities
- Setting and achieving your goals
- Complete a big task, in manageable chunks
- Having a sounding board
- Creative thinking, exploring solutions, devising strategies
- Being clear about what you want
- Deciding on what action to take and taking it.
Some of the tools coaches use:
- Non-judgmental listening
- Open questioning
- Brainstorming
- Mind mapping
- Positive affirmations
- Visualisation
- Goal setting
- Action steps
- Writing a journal
- Request your session here
“ …should I need support again I will call Talking Heads!” Michelle, 27
“ … The most useful investment of time and money I’ve made in my life.” Callum, 42
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the difference between counselling and coaching?
A. Coaching is about moving you forward, from where you are in your life to where you want to be. Counselling is for you to understand and come to terms with your life and your ‘self’ where you are now, and/or sometimes to support you in a crisis situation. There is frequently an overlap from counselling through coaching as the sessions progress dependent on the specific issues or problems brought.
Q. How many sessions will I need?
A. This will be discussed and decided between you and your counsellor/coach. You may only need a few appointments, but it depends upon your particular difficulty, and on your willingness to continue. We have an ethical duty to ensure that you attend for only the minimum number of sessions you need to meet your needs or goals. We would regularly review if the counselling was proving beneficial. You may end the appointments at any time.
Q. Are all your counsellors and coaches qualified?
A. All our counsellors are qualified to a minimum of Diploma – Level 5 in counselling and many have a Masters – Level 7 qualification. All of our coaches have a first qualification in counselling and have additional training and experience in coaching.
Q. Do I need to tell my employer or GP that I am attending counselling?
A. As a private customer this is entirely up to you. As a client coming to us through an agreement with your employer this will be determined by our contractual agreement with them. Your initial enquiry will be confidential so please do ask anyway. Request your session here
Testimonials printed with the express permission of the clients involved. Names changed to protect identity.