Hello and welcome, wherever you are in the world. We’re living in unprecedented times and I imagine the unpredictability of it has rattled a few nerves out there. Without the distraction of our day-to-day work and activities, many will have been left with a lot of time to think about their life and reflect on themselves, maybe for the first time. The unfortunate truth for some is that they might be uncomfortable with what they find there.
Well, I have two pieces of good news for you:
1) These thoughts are completely NORMAL and
2) Online counselling could be the perfect way for you to resolve these and many other issues you are struggling with.
But first, lets back up for a second and consider why counselling is a good mode of therapy for you. How is it more effective than a glut of self help books or a whinge to your friends? I’ve compiled a list of just some of the benefits of engaging in counselling but there are many more
· Accountability – counsellors will motivate you to follow through with what you promised yourself last week. You’re much more likely to give it a go if you know you’ll have to give a progress report next session and we’ll help you with forming the manageable steps you’ll need to take to reach your goal
· You wont just be told what you think you want to hear – counsellors are objective participants in your journey. Yes, we’re right beside you every step of the way, but we’re not so concerned if you’re going to ‘like’ what we suggest if we think it’s what is best for you (unlike the way a friend might agree with you or tell a white lie in order to preserve the friendship).
· Talking therapy is powerful – it is incredibly liberating to open up to someone who has a totally unbiased position with no fear of judgement. A counsellor has no preconception of you; there are no ‘shoulds’ or ‘shouldn’ts’; just a desire to listen, understand and help.
· It’s confidential – end of. As long as the counsellor doesn’t think you’re a harm to yourself or others, they keep schtum.
· You’ll learn to manage your emotions and behaviours – your counsellor will be able to teach you a whole host of tools and techniques (often ones that they use themselves) to help you control your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
· You’ll learn it’s OK not to be OK – in fact, it’s pretty normal. We spend much of our lives being told to “suck it up” or our pride gets in the way of opening up. But I’ll let you in on a little secret; its actually incredibly brave and shows great strength when you’re able to get vulnerable.
· There is no problem too big or too small – you can literally bring anything to session; if it’s important to you, it’s important to your counsellor.
I could go on …..
What about online counselling?
Technology has allowed us to bring counselling to you, wherever you are in the world. Sessions are no longer restricted to office hours in set locations. Therapy can be arranged at a time that suits you, from anywhere you like, across a host of mediums. Some people are also more comfortable and less anxiety is induced receiving therapy online as opposed to the traditional face to face settings. Indeed, although we’re always working hard to remove any social stigma, some clients will feel more comfortable accessing therapy online because it adds another layer of privacy.
Whatever is concerning you, wherever you are, I recommend getting in touch to find out how you can emerge from this pandemic more confident and healthier than you were before.
As I final thought, and perhaps most importantly, I want to tell you that the hardest part is going to be making the first enquiry, but it will be absolutely worth it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
“The first step is the hardest in every journey of dreams. There is nothing else to fear unto whosoever has shown the tenacity to begin; because, once having started, the hardest part of the mission is the one lying behind.”
- Moffat Machingura
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