In 1984, the British Association for Counselling (as it was known then) described counselling as follows:
“The task of counselling is to give the client an opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more satisfyingly and resourcefully”
In 1993, Feltham and Dryden suggested:
“It is a service sought by people in distress or in some degree of confusion who wish to discuss and resolve these in a relationship which is more disciplined and confidential than friendship .....”
(Quotes taken from An Introduction to Counselling, McLeod, 1998, Open University Press, p. 3)
When I consider how I might describe the work I do, I’m struck by the following quote from Macbeth (Act IV, Scene II):
“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o’er-fraught heart and bids it break”
All change involves a degree of loss and it seems to me that no matter what difficulties a person (client) brings to counselling, they will probably be connected with loss and accompanying feelings of pain, sadness and often despair. For example, these losses may be of physical or mental health and well-being, of a relationship, identity, confidence, self-esteem, financial security or employment.
Sometimes experiences from the recent or distant past can prevent people from living life to its full potential. These experiences might be connected with physical or emotional abuse, neglect or estrangements.
What I offer is an environment and a relationship that is confidential and safe, and enables the person to risk exploring what may be painful or sensitive issues. My aim is to help people make sense of where they are, find a way to manage their feelings, and reach a point of understanding and resolution.
It takes courage and determination for someone to face their problems and seek help. If you decide to work with me, my job as your counsellor will be to have a therapeutic conversation with you that will help you to think about yourself and understand what it is that is troubling you. We will also look at what you might do about the difficulties you identify in your life.