Commonly held myth…

Everyone should be able to solve their own problems. You only need to see a counsellor if you can’t cope.

And the reality?

Deciding to discuss your problems with a counsellor doesn’t mean you’re unable to cope. Many people see a counsellor to help them sort something out that’s worrying them, often because they don’t feel they want to worry or burden their family.

Commonly held myth…

You only need to see a counsellor if you have an insurmountable problem or have been abused or something has happened to you.

And the reality?

Many people need someone to confide in, not just those who have difficult issues to deal with or have been abused. Counselling is a way of helping yourself to deal with things that are getting on top of you or are getting in the way of living your life

Commonly held myth…

A good counsellor will tell you what to do and sort out your life for you

And the reality?

The role of a counsellor is not to tell you how to run your life. Good counsellors listen, support and challenge, so that you’re able to come up with your own solutions alongside your counsellor.

Commonly held myth…

You should be able to cope. Anyway why would you want to tell someone your private business?

And the reality?

Turning to a counsellor for confidential support and advice about private worries or concerns can be the most helpful and reassuring option for someone to take. A counsellor offers you confidentiality, genuineness and unconditional acceptance and helps you to look at things more clearly – very often when you are in the middle of a situation or crisis, you ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’ and someone without any agenda or involvement in the friends and family network can be invaluable