If you feel constantly overwhelmed, this exposure to long-term (chronic) stress can have a real impact on your physical and mental health.
Most people seek counselling with a desire to change some aspect of their lives they’re unhappy with.
A qualified counsellor will listen and help you move through the problems you’re facing, develop new strengths, and improve your wellbeing.
“I would say that counselling was crucial for me. Somehow it makes you able to carry on, because you know someone is there to talk to.”
There are many different forms of counselling including marriage counselling, anxiety counselling, relationship counselling etc.
A study from Kings College London and Maudsley NHS Foundation has shown that talking therapies can change the brain. It does this by encouraging you to change the way you think about, and respond to, difficulties.
Relationship counselling is for everyone, regardless of if you’re married, living together, single, or LGBTQ+. If you’re looking for couples counselling, it will provide a caring and supportive environment for you to work through things, regardless of what your age or background is.
Family counselling, for example, can be beneficial during changes to the family structure because of things like divorce, separation, bereavement, or stepfamilies. It can also help when family members aren’t getting along.
Counselling sessions usually last 45 minutes to an hour. You can receive counselling on your own, or it can involve your partner or other members of your family. There may be times when your counsellor also recommends some one-to-one sessions.
Evidence suggests that healthy relationships help us to live longer, boost our self-esteem, and improve our health. But they don’t just happen overnight - we have to work at them.
Relationship counselling has a number of benefits, including:
During your session, your counsellor will ask questions about your situation and how it makes you feel. Even if you feel apprehensive, sometimes just talking to someone who isn’t involved can be helpful.
Counsellors are there to listen and provide non-judgemental support and encouragement. Everyone in the family is welcome, and they’re encouraged to share their feelings regardless of age. Being listened to in this safe, supportive environment can be particularly beneficial to children.
After seeing a counsellor, many young people feel happier and feel better able to deal with their problems. This can help them concentrate at school or college and improve relationships with their friends and family.
If you’d like to improve your love life, sex therapy can help. This is a talking-based therapy which will help you learn how to deal with the problems you may be having in your romantic life. According to Relate, 93% of couples who’ve used their sex therapy service said it improved their sex life.
We’ve partnered with Relate to offer confidential relationship counselling, family counselling, young people’s counselling, and sex therapy to ICAEW members and their families.
At caba, we can provide short-term support, and help you identify the steps you need to take for long-term wellbeing.
Your GP is also important for planning your long-term support and should be one of the main people to help you put together a plan.
Counselling is perfect for helping you learn how to manage your wellbeing long term. If you need immediate help, please contact Samaritans via phone, email, or their self-help app.
It’s important that you feel comfortable talking to your counsellor so that you can get the most from your sessions. If this doesn’t happen, you always have the option to switch counsellors. There’s no harm or offence in changing if you feel someone’s approach isn’t the right fit for you.
It’s up to you what you discuss in your session. Our counsellors can help you move through whatever you’re facing. They can also direct you to other organisations for information, advice, and support.
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