Counselling

It’s often available within GP surgeries so can be a good starting point if you're seeking rapid help for mental distress.

Counsellors are trained to help you find new ways of coping with issues, such as:

• Seeing problems from different perspectives
• Identifying other options available
• Offering stress-relieving techniques

Importantly, the counsellor is there to share any upsetting thoughts you may feel.

Despite beliefs to the contrary, counselling is not about giving advice, but rather about helping a person tap into their own resources to find ways through difficulties and dilemmas. It can provide support and offers a non-judgemental, neutral space to think and explore options with some guidance from another person.

When counselling is commonly used

Common issues which counselling can be applied to include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship problems
• Career development
• Stress/anger management
• Bereavement
• Self development
• Change

Although similar, there are subtle differences between counselling and psychotherapy. In the context of mental health, counselling usually refers to a relatively brief treatment that is focused upon a specific symptom or problematic situation. It is usually conducted on a weekly basis and is short-term (6-12 sessions). Counsellors have generally trained for a shorter period of time and have a less expansive skill base than a psychotherapist.

Things to consider before choosing your counsellor:

• Gender – are you more comfortable discussing your problems with a man/woman?
• Sexual orientation - would you be more comfortable talking to someone who understands or identifies personally with your experience?
• Racial, ethnic or cultural background
• Approach - do you want someone who will be directive/instructive or would you prefer someone who lets you make the decisions of how counselling should progress?