Counselling in the North East for adults, children and young people

Is counselling for me?

We understand that if you haven't been to counselling before then making the first steps can be a little daunting.

Even viewing our website has taken courage, so here is a little more information that might help you. However, if you do have any questions please feel free to get in touch, no obligation.

What should I expect from counselling?

It might be helpful to think of counselling as a continuous process of change and healing rather than a fixed solution. To enable this you will be listened to and accepted without judgement, opinion or someone trying to 'fix' you. You are in charge of how your counselling sessions go, including how much you want to say and what you want to talk about. Your counsellor may gently probe with questions that will enable you to explore what you feel is important. You will not have to talk about difficult emotions unless you are ready to do so - you set the pace.

What happens first? ...

Your first appointment is an opportunity for your counsellor to find out a little more about what is currently going on for you. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and for you to decide if you feel comfortable and can see yourself working with them. Counselling is ultimately your decision.

Counselling is only effective when there is a solid trusting relationship between you and your counsellor.

The early stages of the process are about building that therapeutic relationship, finding out what you need to explore further and what, if any changes you would like to make and also agreeing to a way of working together.

Common Presenting Issues

Depression

Grief and Loss

Depression

Depression is a common, debilitating condition that can cause serious problems for sufferers at work, school and in their personal lives. Our highly-trained therapists can work with patients to proactively manage the illness, and address underlying factors that can contribute to it.

Depression, which ranges from mild to severe, can be extremely debilitating. People with depression – and there are many, as this is one of the most common psychological disorders – can experience a wide range of symptoms, including prolonged feelings of sorrow, feelings of guilt and intolerance for themselves, difficulties with sleep, general daily tasks which can all lead to feelings of isolation and distress.

Anxiety

Grief and Loss

Depression

We all feel anxious from time to time. I’m sure you’ve experienced anxiety before an exam or an interview, for example. In those contexts, it is a normal, healthy response to stress in our environment, and nothing to worry about.

But for some people, it can take over their lives. They find that they just can’t stop worrying, and spend all their time in a state of heightened stress. This can have a profound impact on their mental, physical health and emotional well-being.

Counselling can help you to understand your triggers and find a way of moving forward to lead a calmer life.

Grief and Loss

Emotional Difficulties

Grief and loss are a natural part of life but that doesn’t make them any easier to deal with.

Whether through bereavement, a relationship break up or loss of a job counselling can help you through the process of loss.

Asking for help can be a difficult decision to make but it’s important to understand that you don’t always have to deal with challenges alone.

Everyone processes grief and loss differently, there is no right or wrong way and it can be beneficial to talk to someone other than a family member who may also being dealing with the same loss.

Emotional Difficulties

Difficult Life Decisions

Emotional Difficulties

At times, everyone struggles emotionally with things such as anger or jealousy.

As human’s we often experience negative emotions and we aren't always able to deal with them to the best of our ability.

Counselling can help give you the right tools and strategies to deal with the negative emotions that you are experiencing and put you back in control, better equipped to deal with them in future.

Low Self-Esteem

Difficult Life Decisions

Self-esteem related issues are common and can affect people of all ages. It can limit your ability to enjoy your favorite activities and impacting on your emotional well-being.

People with low self-esteem often feel shame and self-doubt. They often spend lots of time criticizing themselves. Low self-esteem can be a symptom of other conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Counselling can help you explore where your self-doubt may have come from and what positive changes can be made to help you life a fuller life.

Difficult Life Decisions

It can be hard making big decisions no matter what they are. Family and friends will always have an opinion and try to guide you through love and care and you may feel compelled to go along with them just to keep the peace even if it's not what you ultimately want.

Counselling can help you explore your options in a safe, secure and non-judgmental environment. Although you will not be given advice or told what to do you will be listened to and your thoughts and feelings will be validated. You will have the time to make the right decision for you.