Counselling

You may choose to seek counselling perhaps because of a crisis, or because you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn.  A counsellor is someone who will listen to you, in confidence, without judging in any way.  Being understood and accepted in this way develops your trust in the relationship.  It feels safer then for you to express your thoughts and feelings and so begin to clarify your situation, to gain insight and to heal emotionally. 

To begin counselling is to take a very courageous step because instinctively you will be aware that you are likely to touch on areas that may be difficult for you.  However, there is no agenda except your own, so you need have no fear about being coerced into anything for which you are not yet ready.  Soon you will be aware of how much power already resides within you and, during counselling, you will be encouraged to trust in this intuitive ability to know what is best for you.

You will need a certain level of commitment to work in this way because counselling is not a ‘quick-fix’.  But it is only by expressing your Self in this therapeutic way that you will get to the heart of your particular issues and be able to heal emotionally and see a way forward. 

From the outset you will feel a sense of relief and rightness about how things are going.  Very soon you will notice steady progress, even significant shifts.  As you gain more insight into your Self and your situation you are then better able to make decisions based on the choices available to you.

Coaching

For me, coaching may occur towards the end of the counselling process, when much of the emotional healing has taken place.  It is also relevant alone without the need for counselling, although active listening and acceptance will always be key in the process.

Professional coaching is a collaborative working partnership where you are held accountable.  It is based on your needs and helps you to achieve fulfilment and balance in your personal and professional life. 

It works best when you are open to exploration, new perspectives and challenge and are committed to your own growth and development.  It concentrates on where you are right now and explores what you are willing to do to get to where you want to be.