Talking therapies or psychological therapies, such as counselling, can help you deal with a range of issues, from everyday worries to more serious, long-term psychological problems.
Counselling can help you come to terms with distressing or traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce or confusion about your identity or sexual orientation. It can also be an effective way of dealing with long-term mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
How a counsellor can help
A counsellor is trained to listen sympathetically to your problems and suggest ways to resolve issues and change your behaviour.
By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and actions, as well as suggesting ways to find your own solutions to your problems.
The counsellor may encourage you to identify issues and to take personal responsibility for them if appropriate. They can help you recognise the effects of other people and their actions, and explore alternative ways of coping with them.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and can help you reach a positive solution.
Trusting your counsellor
A good counsellor will focus on you and will listen to your problems without judging or criticising you. They may give you advice about ways you could deal with your problems, but they should not tell you what to do.
For counselling to be effective, you need to build up a trusting relationship with your counsellor.
If you feel that you and your counsellor are not getting on with each other, or if you are not getting the most from your counselling sessions, discuss this with your counsellor. If the situation does not improve, it is perfectly acceptable to look for another counsellor whom you feel more comfortable with.
If you are seeing an NHS counsellor who is attached to your GP surgery, your GP may be able to arrange for you to see another NHS counsellor, or you can pay to see a private counsellor.
Types of counsellor
As counselling can involve talking about sensitive issues and revealing your personal thoughts and feelings, your counsellor should be experienced and professionally qualified.
Several different healthcare professionals may be trained in counselling and could be suitably qualified to give talking therapies. These include:
- psychologists - healthcare professionals who specialise in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions
- psychiatrists - qualified medical doctors who have received further training in treating mental health conditions
- counsellors - people who are trained to give talking therapies that can help you cope better with your life and any issues you have
- psychotherapists - similar to counsellors, but have usually received more extensive training and are also often qualified psychologists or psychiatrists
- social workers - someone who can give advice about a variety of practical issues, such as benefits, housing, day care and training
- community mental health nurses (CMHNs) - registered nurses with specialist training in mental health, also sometimes known as community psychiatric nurses (CPNs)
- occupational therapists - can provide training, support and advice to help you get the most out of life and regain or improve your independence
Different counselling formats
Many different types of counselling are available in a range of different formats. Counselling can take place:
- face to face
- over the phone
- by email
- using a computer
You may be offered counselling as a single session, a short-term course of sessions for a few weeks or months, or a long-term arrangement that lasts for many months or years.
See Counselling - talking therapies for more information about the different types of counselling and the conditions for which they are recommended.
