Carole Thomson, Counsellor & Psychotherapist, MBACP (Accred)

Many people are put off coming for counselling as they are worried it will be seen as a sign of weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Reaching a point where you know that something isn't right and then asking for help takes a great deal of courage. If you've never been for counselling before, it may feel like a huge step to take. Coming for counselling can give you a sense of taking control at a time when perhaps you may feel like things around you are outwith your control. Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to explore your feelings at your own pace.

You may feel apprehensive about confronting and exploring painful feelings you may not have been able to share with friends or family but I'll work slowly with you in a gentle way keeping you at the heart of our work at all times. I won't tell you what to do, judge you or make decisions for you but throughout our work together I'll help you to explore and find a clearer way forward.

If you feel anxious about coming for counselling and you're wondering if it's going to be right for you, please feel that you can email me or give me a call if you would like to chat things over before making a decision or even if you would just like to get a sense of who I am and how we may work together.

Something I particularly specialise in is loss of any kind and have many years experience as a bereavement counsellor. I am an Accredited Counsellor with The Foundation for Infant Loss.

Loss

Loss comes in many shapes and sizes and underpins much of what causes us distress in our lives whether it’s the breakdown of a relationship, changing jobs or being made redundant, wanting to change something about our lives but worried about how this may affect others and our relationships with them or feeling that anxiety or depression is preventing us doing the things we want to do.

Bereavement

In terms of a bereavement, when someone we have been very close to or have had a bad relationship with dies, we can be left feeling sad, lonely, depressed, anxious, desperate, guilty or even angry (at doctors, the police, God, ourselves or even at the person who has died).  Sometimes these feelings can be so painful that we may feel overwhelmed by them and unable to cope.  Family and friends are not always able to understand the depth of our distress so avoid letting us talk about our loved one for fear of upsetting us.  This can leave us feeling even more alone and isolated.  A death can have a wide rippling effect on our lives affecting our relationships, our ability to work, our sleep patterns, physical and mental health.

Bereavement counselling is available one to one and also for couples and families.