People are talking about mental health and wellbeing.

The media attention, given to Prince Harry, William and Kate, and Lady Gaga in speaking about the ‘Headstogether’ campaign has put mental health and emotional wellbeing in the spotlight. This is a good thing since we all have a psychological life and powerful thoughts and feelings which we can struggle to manage. While many people experience some sort of mental illness, ranging from anxiety or mild depression to something more severe, everyone at some point will experience the normal emotional processes of grieving and loss and coming to terms with ourselves as we change, face challenges and grow older.

For some, there are particular emotional struggles associated with the past, or with problems in the present which are debilitating and limit our lives. We want to live to the full, with healthy relationships, a sound sense of our own worth, and fulfilling work. But sometimes our thoughts, feelings, and emotions seem to prevent us from living as we would like to. This is where counselling and psychotherapy can be so effective.

‘Talking therapies’ are more about listening than talking.

Going to see a counsellor or psychotherapist is about being listened to, listening to ourselves and our inner voices and motivations, then finding the insight we need to manage who we are more effectively. ‘Psychodynamic Counselling’ usually refers to weekly meetings over a few months to target troubling issues, while ‘Psychotherapy’ normally means a similar experience over a longer period which provides the space to explore more fully the emotional life that underpins all we do and all we struggle to be.

Can Counselling or Psychotherapy help you to live more fully?

Yes, almost certainly. For some people, having the chance to spend 50 minutes each week with someone who will listen without judgment or agenda, and help them discover the roots of the powerful emotional forces which seem to control them, can be life changing. Most psychotherapists trained for this work because they have seen or experienced these forces themselves.

For many, the experience of counselling or therapy is a turning point in their life on the way to better choices and greater fulfillment. Of course, not everyone is able to make use of this type of support, and the most important thing of all is that there must be a good ‘fit’ between each person and their

For many, the experience of counselling or therapy is a turning point in their life on the way to better choices and greater fulfillment. Of course, not everyone is able to make use of this type of support, and the most important thing of all is that there must be a good ‘fit’ between each person and their therapist – personalities are important and finding the right person makes the difference.

What are Counselling and Psychotherapy for?

Counselling and Psychotherapy are for the achieving the following outcomes:

• better relationships, facing decisions, healing past hurts, real communication, addressing troubling behaviour, deeper self-knowledge, exploring family problems, achieving self-control, effective living, being heard, healing after grief and discovering potential;
• sexuality, coping with stress, finding the the courage to be honest, overcoming addiction, facing fear, coping with trauma, self-esteem, mastering compulsive behaviour or addiction, accepting ageing, understanding perfectionism and making life-changing decisions;
• exploring forgiveness, addressing anger, learning from emotions, dealing with disturbing thoughts or dreams, facing the past and the future, emotional resilience, finding self-acceptance, making peace, prioritising your wellbeing. And much more….

For more information, contact Douglas Clague or Jennifer Day