Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between talking to a friend or relative and talking to a counsellor?
A: Talking to a friend can be helpful and counsellors will often encourage clients to use their family and friends. However there are some disadvantages to confiding in friends and asking family members for support.

They could feel a conflict of loyalty and find it difficult to keep things confidential.  They may become upset by what you are telling them and be hurt if you don’t accept their advice.

Counsellors’ training means they have formal support which helps them to deal with upsetting and difficult situations; friends may begin to feel overburdened, especially if they have their own problems too.

Q: What kind of problems can counselling help me with?
A: Counselling can help with a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to:

  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • Anger
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Bereavement and loss
  • Carer responsibilities
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Eating disorders
  • Health issues
  • Major life changes
  • Mortality and growing old
  • OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
  • Phobias and fears
  • PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
  • Redundancy and work issues
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Sexuality
  • Sexual abuse
  • Trauma
  • Violence
  • Worry