Counselling

Counselling is a type of talking therapy. People talk to a counsellor about their problems. Counsellors are trained to listen sympathetically and can help people deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that they have.

As well as counselling, there are a number of other types of talking therapies. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that can be used to retrain a person’s way of thinking to help them cope with stressful situations.

NICE recommendations

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends certain types of talking therapies for treating a number of different health conditions.

For example, counselling may be helpful in treating:

• depression,
• anxiety,
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
• long-term illnesses,
• eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and
• substance abuse.

The aims of counselling

Counselling can help people to:

• discuss their problems honestly and openly,
• deal with issues that are preventing them from achieving their goals and ambitions, and
• have a more positive outlook on life.

Everyone has different ways of coping with their personal difficulties. People often deal with stressful situations and events by talking to their partner, a family member or a friend. However, in certain situations, talking to a professional counsellor may be more helpful.

Admitting you need help is a positive step

At some stage, you will probably experience feelings of stress, disappointment and grief. At these times, seeking assistance can help you deal with your feelings and emotions.

Counselling can be a positive way of addressing any unresolved issues that you have. It can help you to understand your problems better, rather than ignoring them and hoping that they will go away, only for them to come back later. It can also give you a better understanding of other people's points of view.

Depression

Depression is when you have feelings of extreme sadness, despair or inadequacy that last a long time.


Anxiety

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling when you are worried, uneasy or distressed about something that may or may not be about to happen.