AIBU to think counselling won’t be that helpful?

[89tattoos]

As well as expensive!

Someone I know thinks I should go for counselling. I think I can’t afford it anyway and even if I could it’s not going to change anything.

What do mnettwrs think?

I thought the same as you and put it off for years.

I started before Christmas and it’s been really good for me to have a safe space just to be selfish and talk without fear of upsetting someone.

I wish I’d have done it sooner.

It depends what the issues are and if you are willing to change your reaction to situations. I have found counselling helpful in the past but it’s not an easy solution.

It must cost a lot though? You could get the same from ringing Samaritans?

I’m not trying to be difficult. I genuinely would like to know.

The fact is that you have no idea if it will help or not. You will find out if you try it.
For whatever reason you are asking the question

I’ve got counselling on the NHS. It’s helped a lot. Go for it!

I think it depends on what type of counselling. I tried it and it didn't help at all. However a friend has a counsellor who is far more proactive than the one I had, and tells her home truths.

I'm a counsellor. Reduced-rate services are available.

Yes but I need a bit more than that for £40 at a time rag.

Reduced rates maybe but I imagine that applies to people on benefits or similar and there’s still a cost involved.

Maybe when I’m rich

It depends on what it’s for, I suppose, but your mental and emotional health is definitely worth paying out for. What do you think it will be like, and why don’t you think it could help you? Maybe people here can reassure you on that front.

The Samaritans only listen and you will speak to a different person each time. For counselling you would see thr trained counsellor or psychologist for each session and you would work for towards a goal. They may say things you don’t like but it’s always difficult ‘holding a mirror’ but up to yourself and you will come away from individuals sessions maybe feeling worse but it’s worth it in the long run.

Just don’t see the point of covering old ground.

Don’t see the point of just talking.

Have had bad experiences before.

I don’t pay a lot, and your GP can refer you to free services although there’s sometimes a waiting list.

So what do counsellors do?

There is little more important than your health so it’s worth investing in and cutting back in other places for.

Problem is, statements like that make me wary jack, I don’t know.

Reduced rates maybe but I imagine that applies to people on benefits or similar and there’s still a cost involved.

It's for people on low incomes and there's typically a sliding scale.

NHS

I don’t have a low income, just a lot of debt which is one of the things stressing me out!

I think you want everyone to tell you that counselling is rubbish and that you shouldn't bother because it will make you feel better about not wanting to do it.
If you don't want to do it, you don't need any other reason. Many people find it helpful (and hard).
It's OK to say you just prefer not to.

Have you considered speaking to Stepchange about the debt?

They were brilliant when I was drowning a few years ago.

Counselling can be very helpful . You can get it through your GP and it is more about managing the future than talking about the past. You will be entitled to a few sessions of cbt and if that is insufficient or your problems are more complex there may be the possibility of access to a different psychological therapy. It isn't magic but many people find it helps and it is unlikely to be a negative experience. Your friend is suggesting it , presumably, because she is worried about you. This might mean that she thinks your reaction to your circumstances is making you ill. If this is the case then medical input whether from a counsellor/ psychologist or your GP might well help.

Counsellers/therapist works in different way depending on their training

They are not there to tell you home truths or right form wrong the work is done by you exploring what you feel and coming to an understanding of what has happened or is going on

At times it may feel that you are being guided as your counsellor/therapist will reflect on what you are telling them. Often the work is very challenging and will bring up and a lot of complex feelings but hopefully you shall come to a better understanding of yourself and managing how you deal with your feelings

Look at the BACP website this explains the different forms of therapy and will also list those close to you and should you need reduced rates this is also listed or you could ask your GP to refer you

Therapy isn’t for everyone, sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right therapist for you, you may go for a while to deal with one issue then return to deal with something else or you man not everyone’s journey is unique to them

I've had counselling and it was really helpful.A good counsellor will reflect things back to you so you have more insight into yourself and ask questions so you talk things through in a constructive way.

I've never had to pay for counselling. I had some on the NHS - most recently through Healthy Minds for which you can self refer. I don't know if they operate where you are but may be worth a Google.

I've also had counselling through an Employee Assistance Programme my work was signed up to. I know a couple of places which offer it near me (women's centre and a mental health centre) either free or at reduced rates.

To be fair I was a dick about counselling years ago. Didn’t think it would be worth it . I needed dragging to one.

I changed my mind

I feel the same. I don't like talking about things anyway so don't think it's useful personally.