How does counselling work?

[AnnieJ1985]

I think I might benefit from speaking to someone, but I am not sure how it starts. I don't really have a "topic" - I have some long term health issues, extended family niggles/drama, but nothing that jumps out as "I want to talk about X".

So how does it work? Do I need a specific reason for going? Will they open the conversation to help guide me? Do I book one session, then decide how often I need to go?

I stuck this in Relationships because of a spat with my sister at Christmas, although we have since made up. It made me realise I need to check my own emotional wellbeing...

Actually have I just answered my own question - is this a starting point for making an appointment?

Find a counsellor via BACP they're all accredited.

Read their profiles and see if there is one you gel with.

Typically you book for 6 sessions, one a week for an hour. The counsellor will guide you very subtly and signpost how to talk. Even a simple question like "how are you" can lead you into a thousand different thoughts.

Thanks Kelsoooo - 6 weeks sounds like a good start. I am not in UK but will look for a similar resource here

Which country are you in?

I absolutely agree with using BACP or whatever accredited site you have where you live and finding someone who sounds right to you.

In my experience you'll be asked what you want to get from the counselling: I think you'll be fine saying 'I seem to keep having spats and worries with my family and I think I am neglecting my own emotional wellbeing and I'd like time to untangle it all'

An initial six sessions seems usual and like a good idea for you, but only pay for the initial one up front. If you go to the first one and don't feel comfortable, then just cancel and look for someone else. It's a very personal thing and it's very common for it to take two or three goes to find the right person.

After the initial session I have found that it's not important nor necessary for you to plan what to talk about.

There might have been some suggestions from the previous meeting which you might or might not have followed (I find I come back to those 'suggestions' weeks or months later)

As kelsooo says my counsellor starts with 'and how have you been' and then all sorts of things come out of my mouth in a disordered way and she helps me untabnle it

I think it sounds like you're making a really good decision to seek some support

Thank you both. I truly appreciate your replies.

I am in Dublin and found an Irish directory of practitioners online. There are several options close to me, so I will spend a bit of time tomorrow doing my research.

Even posting this has made me feel like I am actually doing something.

Good for you. My adult son has just had a year of counselling. He has always tended to a low mood and after a relationship breakdown and some work difficulties he decided to try a talking therapy. He said that he always felt better after seeing Jill, his counsellor. It has made a great difference. Not only has it helped him to understand his own reaction to things but it has given him tools for life...a way to negotiate a future. Good luck. I wish you all the best. xxx