Your stories

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 judgement was the most wonderful feeling of freedom. I even used the F word at one...

I have sought many counsellors over the years but, I guess, I was never really 'ready' each time. It was 2014. After separating from my second wife and being thoroughly miserable living on my own in a strange town not knowing anyone, I decided I needed to change my life and the way I looked at things. I had lost all confidence in myself and was at a very low point. I decided I needed help, so...

I had counselling sometime ago, at two different stages in my life - both including grief of different types and with different counsellors. The first was after divorce from my violent partner. I felt guilty but I had a six-year-old child to protect at all costs. I threw out my husband via a solicitor. He found it so difficult; we had a very tough divorce settlement. He should really have...

In 1981, I was sexually abused by the restaurant owner who had befriended my family on holiday. I was nine years old. I lived with my mum, stepfather and my two brothers. Every other weekend I would spend with my biological father. My parents separated when I was three years old, and I was happy with my life. Some of my earliest, happiest memories were of the weekends with my father. I idolised...

People talk about having a 'light-bulb moment'. A moment when something switches on in your mind, a torch is shone in front of you and for years you haven't been able to make out the reality, until now. I was 32 weeks pregnant with our now beautiful daughter, whilst on holiday with my husband and our sprightly two year old son. Although I loved my family dearly, I hadn't realised that I had been...

Louise Thompson, known for the glamour and glitz of Made in Chelsea, is more than meets the eye. In this honest interview with Happiful, Louise opens up for the first time about her battles with anxiety, depression, codependency and what was a self-destructive drinking streak. Louise, now 27, has been in the public eye for the majority of her adult life. Joining BAFTA-winning reality show Made...

I have been going to counselling for a year and a half now. The counselling directory enabled me to find the right therapist for me based on location, expertise, and the types of counselling that is practiced. Since receiving help I have worked with my therapist on a number of different issues being anxiety, relationship problems and work related issues. My therapist has given me that safe place...

After 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...

I was at a junction in my life where I didn't know which way to turn. I had just discovered my husband was having an affair and I didn't know whether or not to continue in the relationship, for the sake of our one-year-old beautiful girl. I used Counselling Directory to find someone to help me and my counsellor's name just popped out at me! After our first meeting, I knew he could help me,...