How counselling can help with mental health issues

 There has never been a bigger spotlight on well being and mental health, but with such a huge focus on this topic and an ever increasing amount of information available about how to improve your mental health and where to get mental health support, it's no wonder people are often left feeling overwhelmed. The initial venturing into this huge area can often result in people finding endless information and advice, and sifting through it can often be another thing on top of an already significant mental load. This article is here to help, to cut through the endless information, and to explain exactly what counselling is, and how it can help you. 

So what is counselling? 

Counselling is a type of talking therapy. Quite simply, you tend to have a regular, 50 min, weekly appointment with the same counsellor and you can use this time to talk through your issues and problems. These sessions are confidential (with a few, very specific legal and safeguarding exceptions). Although it might be viewed on the face of it as 'just talking', the unique context of these conversations, and the therapeutic response of the counsellor, can lead to transformational change for people.

When was the last time a friend or loved one gave you a full 50 mins of undivided attention, and freedom to really delve deep into the difficult stuff that's going on for you? - without telling you 'it will be ok' or to 'focus on the positive', give some unhelpful advice, share their own similar experience, or feel so uncomfortable about what your saying that they change the subject as quickly as possible? 

It's rare to have a dedicated 50 mins to really focus and reflect in what's going on for you, and rarer still to find a psychologically safe, therapeutic relationship where the other person (the counsellor or therapist) is only concerned with you and your needs.

The counsellor offers a unique, therapeutic response to what you're saying. They give time and space to your issues and problems, rather than downplaying or brushing off the difficult, painful things you are experiencing or feeling.

It's a very different response to what most people experience in their usual relationships and friendships, and although it might feel strange at first, counsellors are trained to help with this. It's very different to the emotional support and help you might get from friends and families. 

What kind of things can I talk about in counselling? 

The short answer is whatever is troubling you! It's your time to talk about what it going on for you. It may be you are seeking counselling for depression or counselling for anxiety, or a range of other issues such as difficulties in your relationships. Your GP might have recommended counselling and you might not want the NHS, standard CBT offer, which is often self led, or with longer waiting lists for in person therapy.

You might want to use your counselling sessions to talk about your current day to day difficulties and issues; perhaps you're going through a particularly stressful time at work and need some additional emotional support, or you might be going through a huge life event such a becoming a parent, going though divorce, or you might be seeking mental health support for a bereavement. 

You may want counselling to reflect on and process traumatic historic events you have previously experienced.

Whatever is concerning you is welcome in counselling. 

How can I find a good counsellor? 

There are a huge amount of counsellors and therapists out there. The titles Counsellor and Therapist are not legally protected, so I would advise finding one who is a member of a professional body such as the BACP,  NCPS or UKCP.

To be a member of these, counsellors must meet their minimum training requirements, and work according to their ethical framework. Here you can be certain your counsellor is well trained, and working ethically, with your best interests at the heart of their work. 

Is counselling for everyone? 

For counselling to work, people have to enter into it freely and be committed to the process. For more complex and severe mental health issues, counselling can be effective alongside GP and / or community mental health team care. 


What are the benefits of counselling and therapy? 

There are lots of potential benefits to counselling and therapy, including: 
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• Improved mental health 
• Reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety
• More effective coping strategies
• Better interpersonal relationships with others
• Increased self awareness 
• Increased self esteem
• Support in processing past traumas and grief
• Behavioural changes
• Greater understanding of self 
• Increased self compassion
• Increased confidence in decision making
• Greater emotional regulation
• Clarity on personal values and life purpose
• Empowerment and Autonomy

I can't make in person appointments, does online therapy work? 

Substantial research proves online therapy can be as effective as in person therapy, and it brings huge advantages. No travel time or costs, therapy in the comfort of your own home, accessible and convenient, and the ability to search for the right counsellor for you beyond your geographical area - online therapy can be brilliant. Online counselling was a core part of my training, and I'm delighted to be able to offer this. 





If you are interested in finding our more about how counselling might be helpful for you, you are welcome to contact me and book an initial assessment appointment, where your current issues can be spoken about and we can talk further about how I work and what counselling is like. 

Further questions about counselling? Let me know in the comments and I'll cover them in a future article. 

Take care,
​Louise