Does Counselling work?

LegacyUser

Hi All,

just a quick question for anyone that has gone through counselling...does it work?

I have some issues that have been ignored for far too long and needs to be dealt with.

I have trust issues with my boyfriend, he cheated once, I want to get over it but am finding it difficult.

Also with regard sex i seem to have a mental block with it. I have made a doctors appointment for next Monday to make sure its not medical, have a feeling though its all connected.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

LegacyUser

I've gone through counselling a few times, both couples and individual therapy. Its well worth it for your own well being. Therapy is a long drawn out process though and it will take at least 10 sessions before you will start to see results. Your early sessions will involve you doing alot of talking with very little input from your counsellor. But this is normal.

A mistake I made one time was finishing my therapy prematurely without having fully dealt with my issues. It cost me dearly in the end.

Hope all goes well for you

Nevyn

Does Counselling work?

Yes if you but the effort and work in.

cafecolour

I'd second that it takes time and you have to put the work in.

I'll also add that counseling, in a lot of ways, can be a bit more dependent on the skills of a particular counselor than say going to a doctor or a dentist (and even those can very, of course). If you don't feel like your counselor is a good match, definitely shop around, it can make a huge difference.

I've gone to about 4 different counselors over my life - basically 2 counselors 2 different times. I found 2 mediocre and frankly useless (who I then left to find another counselor), one good, and one very good.

Overheal

Counseling helps immensely if you let it. Very Cathartic in nature. A great way to look at your thoughts and feelings objectively, articulate them, understand and analyse them, etc.

Only ever went to a couple free sessions in college over an anger issue mostly but I can safely say its did a lot for me.

ztoical

Yes counseling works but you need to be pro-active. There are different methods and approaches for counseling and some people try counseling once, say it doesn't work and stop when really the type of counseling they are getting isn't suitable for them and they need to try another approach. Give a counselor an honest open minded try but if it's not working speak up and say so, a good counselor will be able to refer you to another counselor who may suit you better.

Kevster

I agree with the previous poster. It will work if you are ready to embrace it and heed the advice given to you. Counsellors are trained for what they do and therefore - logically - they should know how to help you. For more in-depth help, you should go to your GP and request to be referred to a psychiatrist or therapist.

Sanjuro

Yes. It does work. But you cannot go into it and expect miracles in the first few sessions. It takes a lot of patience, work and willingness to be 100% honest with yourself. The counsellor is just there as a facilitator. It's up to you to do the work. You cant just go and expect them to do the work for you. But having said that, it's incredibly rewarding, and well worth it. I wish you good luck, OP!

lala stone

hi op.. I think the biggest thing is to make sure your counsellor is experienced in the areas you feel you have issues with.. look up all the certified counsellors on the web in Ireland.. they have details of what they specialise in... again i agree with the above, it does take time..but it works somehow.. well done on taking the first steps

pinkpigs

Hi,

I counselling really worked for me. Myself and my ex were having problems and thought we'd try counselling to work things out. Twenty mins into the first session it was obvious that his heart wasn't in it and looking back I think he just went along with three or four session so he could say 'that we tried conselling' line. I did attend conselling for a few months and it has helped me hugely. I can't recommend it enough.

Counselling isn't about going once a week. The more time you work on issues outside the weekly session, the quicker things will turn round for you. It's mentall very draining, you really need serious supportive people around you. I had two people that I could really talk to, my sister and my best firend. I'll be greatful to them for ever.

I am definately a better and stronger person now I just wished I had done it years ago.

Good luck with the future.

PP.

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the replies, I was always going to do it but I am sure having these posts to look on when I think its too hard will help.

I know it will take a while not expecting miracles in the first week. Only thing is I have very little money at the minute, seen there is affordable counselling but there is only one in Galway and is way too far away.

Can anyone recommend a really good one in Galway city/loughrea that would be experienced in these areas?

Thanks again.

Reesy

Hi OP,

Beware, there seems to be a fair number of charlatans claiming to be counsellors (there's no register of therapists / counsellors AFAIK). Maybe ask your GP?

Good luck.

MysticalSoul

Reesy wrote: »

Hi OP,

Beware, there seems to be a fair number of charlatans claiming to be counsellors (there's no register of therapists / counsellors AFAIK). Maybe ask your GP?

Good luck.

Check www.irish-counselling.ie (IACP) for a list of reputable counsellors. IAHIP is another excellent organisation