Personal Experiences of Counselling

13th January 2012 by EmilyI suffered from depression, though I hid it quite well for some time. It soon lead so self abuse (mostly scratching my skin, but often led to cutting and burning) and later, a suicide attempt.

I was skeptical of having a therapist, but after just two 45 minute sessions was already looking forward to going again and within a couple of months I was much happier, and managed to finally find out what little changes I had to make to be a happier and healthier me.

I'm happier than ever before...Read the full experience ›

13th January 2012 by LisaMyself and my partner were going through a rough patch in our relationship so we decided to seek help of a professional counsellor.

She made us very welcome with such a soft tone that made you feel very comfortable opening up to someone out within the family. I can honestly say that after only 1 session with her made my partner and I communicate better without raising voices etc and approach each other more than we would have done before.

You get the chance to voice your concerns and...Read the full experience ›

6th January 2012 by AnonI was talked into counselling by the people around me after kidding myself for years that I was ok and that no one could possibly help me. I am so glad that I listened to the people around me because without it I don't think I'd still be here. Just having someone who will listen to you and understand when nothing seems to make sense anymore can make all the difference and can give you a reason for a little bit of optimism about the future, even if at the time there feels like no hope.

I am...Read the full experience ›

31st October 2011 by kingsterFor me counselling has opened up my life which had been in a downward spiral and I did not know in what direction I was headed till I started counselling. So I feel that opening up over past experiences has allowed me to have the chance to be my own person. I have been in therapy over two years and now I am getting to grips with all the past and how it has prevented me from moving on till now. So yes I am getting sorted its not easy but its one step at a time and looking forward to life not...Read the full experience ›

14th September 2011 by Christine The first time I experienced long term counselling was when my ex left me (other issues did come up). After six months of trying to cope alone I realised that if I didn't talk soon I was going to have a breakdown or do something stupid.

I went to see a counsellor nearby and his empathy understanding and lack of judgements was the most wonderful feeling of freedom. I even used the F word at one point!! And he just sat there encouraging me to LET IT ALL OUT !! I laugh now.

I had always...Read the full experience ›

5th July 2011 by AnonI first saw a Counsellor who was totally wrong for me and I ended up feeling worse than ever. Since then I have tried a different form of counselling and I am really happy to say that this therapy has helped me enormously. Unfortunately it can sometimes take a while to connect with a therapist but don't give up as there are many out there.Read the full experience ›

17th May 2011 by JulieI have suffered from depression and anxiety for a lot of years through rejection and trauma in my life, I have had counselling and found some comfort for a while. I try not to look back and try to be positive and believe.Read the full experience ›

16th May 2011 by BryonyJust over four years ago in February 2008 things started changing for me, and in a very short space of time, it became unbearable for me. I was only 13 when it all started. My Mum and Dad became angry all the time, and would constantly shout at me for no reason at all. My younger brother and sister shouted at me too. I would always get blamed for everything that went on, whether I had been there or not. My brother and sister would always pick at me, get to be as rude to me as they liked, just...Read the full experience ›

28th April 2011 by EmmaAfter having spent the majority of my childhood being bullied by peers and people close to me, I went through my life in self-denial, taking on everyone else's problems. After a broken relationship, I became very depressed and relived a lot of my past experiences. I came to the Counselling Directory to find a counsellor close to my home and I found a counsellor. They have helped me to completely turn my life around - I have gone from a painfully shy, self-effacing woman to someone who now knows...Read the full experience ›

19th April 2011 by JaneI have had anxiety attacks and low self esteem for years which I sort of knew about but just thought that is who I am really. I also used to analyse everything about my emotions and behaviours and was always quite cynical about having counselling.

It wasn't until my breakdown that I realised I needed to and could change things with help. Since starting my counselling sessions I am still in disbelief at what has changed for the better. The biggest joy is this wonderful sense of calm I now...Read the full experience ›