Why someone might seek counselling

Today, I thumbed through a set of old textbooks which told me a great deal about counselling but the rationale for people attending therapy was implicit. This is probably an unfair expectation because textbooks are geared towards supporting trainees and qualified therapists in their development and, therefore, adopt a practitioner-centric perspective.

 People attend counselling because something isn’t working, and they want to explore this in a safe place free of criticism or judgment.

Reasons and routes for seeking counselling

The routes to counselling are varied: GP referrals, the NHS Talking Therapies Service, private counselling, charities and third sector organisations, educational and workplace settings, as well as digital and online platforms, and via specialist services. 

Clients might wish to discuss any one or a combination of the following:

1. Life feels overwhelming. The client is suffering anxiety, burnout, stress at work or home, they feel on edge and unable to sleep.

2. They're struggling in relationships. Tension and, possible conflict, with partners or family members. There might be communication difficulties or unhealthy patterns in these relationships.

3. Difficulty managing emotions. Anger, guilt, and sadness are disproportionate to situations, or the person feels disconnected and unable to enjoy life.

4. Major life changes, new roles. Such as becoming a carer or a parent, divorce, losing a job, retirement.

5. Past experiences. These are affecting the individual's abilities to function in the present such as bereavement, childhood issues.

6. Feeling stuck. The person senses emptiness or lack of purpose. They want a more fulfilling life and don't know what it is or how to achieve it.

7. Growth and self-understanding. Not all counselling is about people being in crisis. Sometimes the client wants to understand better who they are, boost their confidence, or improve their decision making.

Counselling offers a steady presence and the opportunity to be heard whether the person is overwhelmed by present pressures, tangled in past experiences, or uncertain about future steps or ready to understand themselves more deeply. 

The first conversation is the kickstart of a journey towards clarity, empowerment, and resilience.

by Mervin Straughan