Counselling is an opportunity to talk face to face, perhaps for the first time about experiences, thoughts or feelings that may be troubling you.

You will be listened to and accepted without being judged, advised or talked at.

Your counsellor will work with you in privacy and confidence to explore your concerns and distress and help you make sense of what you are going through.   You will be given the time and space to reflect on what you feel and to work out what is important to you. You may also want to use some time to decide upon any changes that you might wish to make.

You will be able to work at your own pace with the support of your counsellor and will only be expected to talk about those things that you feel ready and able to bring to your sessions. You will be in control of the process and nothing will be forced.

For some people change will be relatively quick and may only take a few weeks, while for others it may be a longer process.

Counselling will help you make decisions but your counsellor will not tell you what to do. If this is what you want you need to look for some other type of help such as information and advice agencies or telephone help lines.