I hear people say 'How will talking change anything?' 'What difference will there be?'
'My problems will still be there when I've finished telling you about it!' What's the point? Counselling is just a rip off. They just get you to talk about your problems and find more problems so you keep coming. They're just after the money.'
You may have heard people say things like this too. Your partner, parent, sister, friend may say the same thing.
I also hear... and the following statements are all real feedback... 'It’s a great way to be able to talk so openly about your own life challenges, and to gain advice about other ways to look at them.'
'If you think you don’t need it then you probably do! I thought I didn’t, I thought I had it all under control after reading self help books. But their is only so many ways that you can read a book, it will tell you the same thing no matter how many times you read it.
It has done me the world of good, and has brought out the person i have been fighting to be. Give it a try you never know where it could lead you.'
and
'I’d like to thank you for listening to me, it was great to be able to talk so openly. You have made a massive difference in the way i look and carry myself.
If i ever feel like I’m losing her, I know where I can come for a pick me up to get back on track.'
and...
Counselling.... 'is super helpful and it helps you reflect on yourself and become a better person. It also helps you to set boundaries and to manage stress. It is definitely beneficial no matter what is going on in your life'
'Counselling helped me so much. I learned to be much kinder to myself and to have more realistic expectations.'
I've recommended it to almost all of my friends and family. It has changed my life and I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience it for themselves.'
'I feel like I'm a different person now to who I was when I first started counselling. You helped me to overcome so many of my issues, insecurities and anxieties. You helped me to challenge myself and be kinder to myself. You gave me tools to help me cope when I feel overwhelmed or anxious. Thank you for being so lovely, supportive and kind to me, always.'
and...
'When I first attended the first session I was a little unsure if this would be for me...
As a result of my sessions at counselling I feel so much more positive and now looking forward to moving forward with my life I have also more confidence and so pleased I attended for the 9 weeks with Amy, it really helped me so much and feel grateful.'
and...
'After counselling I finally feel free from all those guilty feelings. I feel more relaxed and ready to face each day with hope and happiness. I learned the tools to feel less anxious, less worried and scared. As a result I don’t have a lot of nightmares anymore. I am happier like I wasn't in a long long time. '
You see the talking isn't just one way. Talking comprises of listening, reflecting, questioning and feeling. You have someone else there, with no agenda other than to help you feel better, clearer, happier, that will help you see things in a kinder, healthier way. That will help you to accept the things you cannot change, find the courage to heal, gain the knowledge you need so you can manage your emotions, grieve your losses and feel lighter with the load you carry.
Recently a client told me about his anger. After talking about it, we looked at the path of it, when it actually started (the first niggle), right through to its manifestation... in violence.
By TALKING about it, it takes it out of your head, puts it on the table, so we can look at it together and say, ok
what do we want to do about this and how can we do it, that will feel right to you. He now manages his anger in a much better way and has far less outbursts because he recognises it earlier. That's because he talked about it.
So, talking makes a difference. Honestly, it really does, and you know what they say, 'If you don't do anything different, everything stays the same'. Bottling up doesn't work. Talking does.
My team are here for you, me, Lee, Amy-Louise and Darren, we're ready and waiting to help you in your next steps in life.
Until next time
Amy B :)