Counselling?

[SaltwaterCrocodile]

I’m finding things a bit hard at the moment and am struggling to get myself out of it. I’ve enquired about going to a few counselling sessions but I’m really scared about actually going.

I don’t have anyone I can talk to about problems so tend to just keep it all in. I feel like as soon as I actually start talking to someone I’ll just spend the whole session crying and not being able to talk much.

Anyone who’s tried counselling how did you find going to the first session? Is it normal to cry?

A big part of counselling is going into areas you have tried to keep closed off, and feel all the emotions associated with that, so absolutely it is normal to cry. Counsellors won't be remotely bothered by that. The good bit is what happens when you're through that phase though. Don't be scared. Hand-hold here.

I think it’s great that you’ve identified that you want to make some changes, counselling can be really useful. If you try it and it’s not for you then you can stop. It’s ok to cry in sessions, it’s quite common, (there will definitely be a box of tissues on the table!).

There’s a useful question - ‘which is worse, the pain of change or the pain of staying where you are?’

I was dreading my first session and it took me a little while before I started feeling comfortable with this stranger - but oh boy it was worth it. I don't think I'd be here today if I hadn't persevered.