Why counselling might help
‘A problem shared is a problem halved’. The death of a loved one, depression, redundancy at work, unfulfi lled life’s ambitions, anxiety, wanting to understand others better and wanting to feel more confi dent are personal challenges we all may face at some time. Sharing our concerns with qualifi ed, trained professionals can help, and following are some of the talking therapies on off er.
Counselling is available to all people and may be obtained on the NHS following a referral from your doctor. All sessions are conducted in complete confi dence by counsellors who have undergone extensive study and training before being registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Counselling may also be provided
by other professional bodies such as Relate and ChildLine (a voluntary organisation), for which there may sometimes be a charge.
Evidence shows that counselling is very eff ective. For example, B Wickberg and C P Hwang found that 80% of women with major post-natal depression were fully recovered after treatment. Counselling can help a person be more positive, worry less and feel more confi dent. Additional types of counselling/therapies include the following:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is currently very popular and helps people to manage problems by changing the way they think and behave. Negative patterns of thought about self and the world are challenged
to develop a more 42 positive outlook. Patients set goals with the therapist To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com during sessions, which they work on in
between sessions. This therapy is proven to help with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression,
panic attacks, eating
disorders, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and phobias. Information on CBT may also be found via self-help books and on-line computer courses.
Couples Counselling (Marriage Guidance) involves a couple and a therapist. The main aim is to improve communication and resolve problems such as lack of trust, abuse,
life
changes and family contacts faced by intimate couples. Couples look at how factors such as lifestyle, religion and family values aff ect their relationship and are encouraged to resolve any confl icts they face together.
Psychotherapy looks into a person’s past and how that aff ects the present. This is undertaken over a longer period of time than other forms of counselling and helps a person understand more about themselves, improve relations with others and enjoy life more.
Other therapies use diff erent tools to meet people’s needs, for example play therapy fi nds what causes excessive anger, fear and worry in children through play; arts therapies (music, art and drama) help people express their feelings without having to use words.
Whatever our problems may be, we truly need not feel alone. Help is only a telephone call or a visit away, should we need it.
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