Client account –

“Why did I attend counselling? This is a question I still don’t really know the answer to. I couldn’t tell you now how I was feeling because I didn’t know then and I don’t know now! So I’ll tell you what lead me to counselling…..I think I was angry, but I might have been sad, I know I just didn’t feel right. So, after a really bad night that saw me going to bed at 7pm, not because I was tired but just to make the day end, I decided I really needed to see my GP. I did that the next morning and sat in her office and cried so much I could hardly speak. I told her I didn’t know what was wrong with me I just didn’t feel right. She was amazing and really listened but I don’t think I really trusted her and so when she asked about what support I had at home or socially I lied and told her I had great family support and friends who were always there to listen. The reality was, I felt so bad about myself I had isolated myself from my friends, I really had nobody. She suggested I give counselling a try and I can say it really saved my life.

Sessions started with me saying things like, I don’t need to be here, I’m fine, I’m wasting your time and taking someone else’s place. Once I started to trust her, which really wasn’t hard she just seemed to get me, to understand and really listen to what I said, I started to get everything out. All this stuff about my parents and siblings, how bad I felt about myself and that nothing I ever did would be good enough came pouring out. For weeks I left her office with red, swollen eyes from crying, but it was worth it. I don’t know how it happened but when I finished I felt lighter, like I had left some really heavy bags down.

It made such a difference in my life. I started to value myself more and in turn my relationship with my husband blossomed. I reconnected with my friends and I now have a social life again. I was able to put so much stuff into perspective although it did take time, I don’t think I would be here now if I hadn’t reached out and spoke to my counsellor.”

If you answer yes to any of the following then counselling may be good for you.

• Does everything you feel seem intense?
• Have you suffered a trauma and can’t stop thinking about it?
• Do you have unexplained headaches, stomach-aches or a run-down immune system?
• Are you using substances to help you cope?
• Do you feel disconnected?
• Are your relationships strained?
• Have friends told you they are worried about you?

If you would like to read the full article “8 More Reasons to Go to Therapy”, click here.