The information on this sheet is intended to help you understand something of the process of counselling so you can begin the sessions with some understanding of what to expect.

How Counselling Can Help

Counselling provides an opportunity to talk in confidence to someone who has the skills and experience to listen and to reflect on what is being said.

You may have up to six sessions with your counsellor, and it is likely that you will choose to focus on a particular issue during these meetings.

An aim of counselling is to assist you to make the changes which you feel would benefit you.  This may involve a clearer understanding of what led to the problem in the first place.

Often the origin of a problem is in the past, but the link may not be obvious.  Counselling can help you make the connections between the past and the present.  The insight gained will in turn allow you a greater freedom of thought and action.

Your Counsellor will not advise you or tell you what to do, but will work with you to make sense of your difficulties, in a safe and accepting environment.

A high degree of confidentiality is assured, within the law and the Code of Ethics and Practice of the British Association for Counselling.

Who Counselling Can Help

There are times in most peoples’ lives when they feel unable to cope.  It is not unusual to feel depressed, anxious or alone at some stage.

Memories of the past, painful events in the present or worries about the future may mean it is difficult to enjoy life or to achieve aims.

Some concerns which are brought to counselling:

• A difficult personal or work relationship
• A bereavement or loss of some kind
• Pressure through over-work
• Worries relating to a relative or child
• A personal crisis or major personal change
• Conflicting feelings in a painful situation

Referral

If your doctor suggests you might benefit from counselling, you will be given this sheet.  Your Practice Counsellor is Elaine Eagles.  She works at the surgery on Tuesday mornings from 8.30 –10.30 pm.  Sessions take place fortnightly and last for one hour.

Once you have been referred by your doctor, Elaine will contact you to make an appointment for a session.

Elaine has an Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.  She is BAPC accredited, and follows the Code of Ethics and Practice of the British Association for Counselling (a copy of which is available on request from her). She also has a Certificate in Time Limited Counselling.