Sometimes we find it difficult to discuss issues even with people who are closest to us, which is why we need to find a counsellor or a professional therapist who we can be comfortable with in sharing our deepest concerns. Counselling, a form of talking therapy, involves talking to someone who is trained to help people in dealing with negative thoughts and feelings, and in making positive changes. A counsellor can assist those who are feeling distressed, as well as people with mental health concerns.

Counselling focuses on specific problems and is designed to help a person deal with them through focusing on problem-solving or specific coping techniques to avoid the problem areas. It is more short-term than psychotherapy, which focuses on a broader range of issues, like how to be better equipped in managing stress, understanding behaviours, and how to regulate thinking and emotional responses.

A trained counsellor listens without judging and treats you and your opinion with respect. There will be time to talk, cry, and even shout. Counselling aims to make a person feel better. It might not make all problems go away, but it can make it easier to cope with them.

Talking with a counsellor can happen via one-on-one sessions, in groups, or with couples. There are counsellors trained to deal with mental health problems, difficult life events, physical illness, the elderly, abuse, relationship issues, troubled families, anger, and children.

For mental health issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, phobias or addiction, counselling helps along with medicines. Difficult life events such as death in the family or losing a job may cause a person to feel stressed. Long-term health conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and stroke often cause depression. The elderly are more likely to feel low because of old age and the fact that they are not able to do the things they were used to doing when they were younger. Physical and sexual abuse, discrimination, and racism will need coping mechanisms for the victims to learn and live with the experience. Relationship counselling might save a relationship that is on the brink of a divorce or separation. Family counselling can help all members of the family deal with children’s behavioural issues, or guide the children in dealing with tough situations like their parents’ ongoing divorce. There are people who need anger management sessions to keep their anger under control.

Accredited counsellor meets the NCS standards in psychology, counselling, or any related field. He is qualified to evaluate and treat mental health problems.

Counselling works both ways. You should be an active participant in the sessions and should stay connected with your counsellor. You should listen to what he is telling you, and cooperate whether you are up to it or not. There might be homework and exercises to do at home, and you should be committed to completing those. Be willing to open up and receive help, because only people who truly want to feel better will be able to benefit from the aid counselling provides.

The National Counselling Society has experienced and qualified counsellors who can help you deal and wade through the tough times. Log on to https://www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org/find-counsellor/ to find a counsellor in your location.