Are you wondering if therapy is right for you? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, burnout and low motivation? Perhaps you are experiencing relationship struggles, which make you feel disconnected from your life? Maybe you feel unseen and unheard, lonely? 

Life is a complex journey and it can often seem very overwhelming, especially when going through big life changes. And there might come a point where we feel the need for a little extra support. 

If you are wondering whether counselling could be the right choice for you, you are not alone. Below you might find some answers to the question, hopefully providing you with more knowledge into what counselling looks like and what you can expect. 

What is counselling?

Counselling is different for everybody, just like all therapist are different too. There are still many misconceptions about counselling, which might be the reason you are questioning if it is right for you.

Everyday we encounter huge amounts of information, advice, explanation or quick fixes, which can add to the feelings of anxiety. Counselling is neither of these things. Is is not about lying on the couch anymore, but a place where you can explore yourself in a safe place. Exploring the places that hurt and that can be scary. You will not be alone. Together, we can explore different paths, ways of thinking and to find ways to reflect on what is causing the distress that has brought you to therapy in the first place. 

A process.

Counselling is an interactive process we enter together, as it is a relationship. One that will provide you with a safe space to discuss your thoughts, emotions and experiences. It is to be a supportive environment where you can be heard. Whether you are dealing with the issues described above or when you are simple feeling a bit down and like to understand yourself a bit better, counselling can offer valuable insights and strategies to help you cope with life’s challenges. 

Therapy is like an ongoing process with a series of mini breakthroughs, realisations and possibly an a-ha moment. There is no fix and no cure, as you are not broken. I have no magical wand to make things better, but I am here to help you and to guide you.

We will take time to get to know each other. I am here to listen. I will ask questions, shed light on your strengths and might gently challenge certain thoughts. I won’t tell you what to do, but guide you to solutions I believe you already have within you. We will work at your pace. 

It is not easy; for some it might be easy to talk, for some it might take longer. I will help you to feel at ease and suggest other ways of expressing yourself when I think it is useful. It is your time and we can find a way how to use that time that will work for you.

I am here to help you discover you already have the strength and, both inner and outer resources to deal with it all. It is up to you to use and apply what you have learned during the sessions. It is about you and your challenges. 

What are the benefits of counselling?

Still wondering if therapy is right for you? Here are some of the benefits you might experience when going to counselling.

1. Emotional support: The emotional support counselling can offer is one of the primary benefits. Everybody will need someone at some point to hear them. I can help with exploring the more complex feelings and thoughts you might be experiencing, which can bring on more clarity.

2. Tools for understanding: I am equipped with lots of theory, tools, strategies and experience, that I might suggest we look at if I think they will help you build a better understanding of how and why you operate the way you do. 

3. A safe space for expression: Talking openly and freely about your feelings can be liberating. It might not be possible straight away for some, but in a counselling session, you are in a safe place to try to express yourself in any way that feels ok to you. This can be particularly helpful when you feel you cannot open up anywhere else. Or because you simple can’t find the words for what you are feeling. I might suggest creative techniques like journalling or imagery to help you explore the depths when there are no words.

4. Self discovery: Through the counselling sessions, you will embark on a journey of self discovery, you will learn to look at patterns in your behaviour, in your thinking and together we will try to make sense of it all. This can lead to more self-esteem, better relationships and really understanding who you are.

So, is counselling right for you?

This is a very personal question and only you can answer it. 

If you find yourself often anxious, burnt out, swamped or drowning in challenges that feel impossible to change and hopeless or if you simply want to improve your mental wellbeing by understanding yourself better, counselling can be a vitally important resource. 

It does take courage to take the first step – remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather one of strength. And the first step is often the hardest. You are not alone on this journey either. We will be there together. 

If you need further guidance on starting your counselling journey, I would be happy to help you where I can. You can reach out to me here or book a session here. 

I am looking forward to meeting you.

Eefje

“In a world that often feels empty, a simple question can spark deeper conversations. How are you, really?” 💭✨

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