We have all had those moments in life when we have said to ourselves, “It feels good to talk”. Times when we are feeling sad or angry; when we finally confront someone about something that has been eating away at us; when we make a particularly emotional or deep connection with another person or group; or even just after a good, hearty chat with a friend.
It is good to take a moment and think about the feeling that you get when you are in or have just finished a really great conversation. It can be liberating, inspiring, exciting and energizing. It makes you feel good about yourself and the world. Talking is good. Unfortunately, in this ever expanding digital age, we do not talk as much as we used to.
We email, text, blog, tweet, and write status updates. We get so caught up with work, errands, and ticking the boxes on that ever-growing “to do” list, that we
don’t set aside any time to really explore what is going on inside and find someone who will take the time to listen. The need to talk in order to communicate is becoming ever more redundant. However, nothing can replace the fulfillment and joy that we get from talking, face to face, with others.
It is even more vital for our wellbeing, as is being heard. Body & Soul offers a safe and positive space to talk openly with people that are truly listening. There are opportunities to talk in many ways, from one to one to structured groups to counselling.
A counsellor is a trained and qualified professional who offers an opportunity to talk about whatever is on your mind. With a counsellor it is possible to explore past or current experiences and feelings, and try to make sense of them. A counsellor will support you in making positive decisions and changes.
Whilst it can feel weird and a bit scary to talk to a stranger about things which you find difficult, painful or private, counselling is in fact a real opportunity to talk in a safe and confidential environment and to plan for positive change. Choosing to see a counsellor is not a sign of weakness or failure, but quite the opposite – attending counselling is a courageous act which is about you saying that you want to make things better for yourself.
Counsellors are bound by strict ethical and moral codes. They will not judge you or make decisions for you, but will take you seriously, supporting you in exploring your strengths and developing coping strategies by listening to you and respecting your feelings, whatever they may be.
Counselling is private and confidential. What is discussed in a counselling session will never be disclosed to a third party unless you or someone else is at serious
risk of harm. If this happens, we will always talk with you first so that you know what’s happening.
You may want to see a counsellor belonging to a particular gender or race. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your counsellor and feel you can trust them.
Counselling needs to be your choice, not someone else’s decision. You can talk to a counsellor about anything that’s going on for you. This might include:
- Difficult feelings and emotions
- Painful and distressing memories
- Not feeling able to cope
- Problems at school, college or work
- Loss or bereavement, relationship breakup
- Difficulties in relationships with friends, family, boy/girlfriend
- Anxieties about the future
- Having problems with confidence, body image etc.
- Problems with drink or drugs
- Self-harm, problems with eating
- Feeling suicidal
Or anything else
Its good to talk is a great resource, but also Body & Soul and THT provide counselling services.
