[Benjamin]

Do you believe it works, have you been, or do you think it's just another way for people to make money off people with problems?

[andybigbro]

I've never been to it but I believe it works. I study psychology and I'm very interested in counselling. I believe that it's great for when people feel like they have no one and need someone to talk to/let off steam. Talking to a stranger who doesn't judge you is great and people find comfort in that.

[Kizzy]

I had it for a bit, I went 3 times and then they said I was cured and didn't need to go again... So, that was nice.
Really I was just told that I was not 'at risk' of a relapse and given details of a group session that I never went to.
Talking helps if you have a good therapist who listens and allows you to offload and suggests positive ways to reassess your mindset then it's worth it, if it's just a scam artist then you could I suppose be fleeced for lots without ever feeling any benefit.
Surely when you aren't moving forward you would begin to question the validity of the therapist?
I had already had 1000 conversations in my head about the pros and cons and possible outcomes in differing scenarios so he didn't say anything to me that I hadn't already heard, that said if I hadn't already turned the corner then I wouldn't have entertained him at all.
Knowing the therapist had direct experience of an addiction helped as they were able to draw on their own experience and it didn't feel like you were the first to ever have an issue, it removed some of the stigma for me.
There are always going to be good and bad Councillors though, there are good and bad in all professions.

[Vanessa]

I think i may need it.

[Kizzy]

You're up late ness, you ok?

[lostalex]

it definitely works if the person getting the counseling is dumb. because they will be able to think of things in a way that they have never thought of them before.

I don't think it works for smart people though.

also i think couples counseling and family counciling works because often times people in relationships don't talk about things directly, but a counselor will bring everything up and force everyone to talk about uncomfortable things.

[the truth]

Its good to talk. conversation in general is a good thing , especially when both sides listen. In the case of counselling the only way to know if it works is to ask those who have had counselling and listen to their answers. I certainly wouldn't ask the counsellors opinions as they will try to justify themselves. Id expect it helps some more than others, the need to communicate is surely a universal human desire but its stronger in some than others. The downside of counselling as opposed to a regular chat with friends or family is the feeling its somehow contrived and unnatural and knowing throughout the counsellor is paid to be there and is working within his/her remit.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

You're up late ness, you ok?

Not really no.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

Not really no.

.....

[kirklancaster]

I have no personal experience of this, but I do know LeatherTrumpet had a few sessions with a psychiatrist last year. I don't know how successful it all was because the psychiatrist is still in a straitjacket in a Secure Institution and doesn't speak except to howl at the moon when it's full.

[Nedusa]

I think most people on here could benefit from councilling judging by the content of some of the posts I read.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

I have no personal experience of this, but I do know LeatherTrumpet had a few sessions with a psychiatrist last year. I don't know how successful it all was because the psychiatrist is still in a straitjacket in a Secure Institution and doesn't speak except to howl at the moon when it's full.

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Nedusa

I think most people on here could benefit from councilling judging by the content of some of the posts I read.

I agree Nedusa. I agree.

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by the truth

Its good to talk. conversation in general is a good thing , especially when both sides listen. In the case of counselling the only way to know if it works is to ask those who have had counselling and listen to their answers. I certainly wouldn't ask the counsellors opinions as they will try to justify themselves. Id expect it helps some more than others, the need to communicate is surely a universal human desire but its stronger in some than others. The downside of counselling as opposed to a regular chat with friends or family is the feeling its somehow contrived and unnatural and knowing throughout the counsellor is paid to be there and is working within his/her remit.

This for me, really good points as to it the truth,I do like when we can agree on things and this is one I totally agree with you on as to what you have said above.

All I would add is that counseling to really work needs the person with any problems,whatever they may be, to be really ready for counselling too,not pushed into it but wanting the process.

Even more vital to the success of counselling is that the counsellor can be related to at least a little.
Operating counselling in a cold or clinical fashion and even coming across in any way patronising or judgemental can acually harm an individual more than assist in any way with their problems.

Excellent point at the end of your post as to the paid element as to counsellors too.

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

I hope I've cheered you up a bit Vanessa.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

I hope I've cheered you up a bit Vanessa.

Yes, thank you.

[LeatherTrumpet]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

Yes, thank you.

[LeatherTrumpet]

I went to marriage counselling



It did not help that the lady doing it was very attractive either




but sadly it did not work

[Liam-]

I've had counselling and it does actually work, so I'm all for it, i would recommend it to anyone that felt like they needed it

[Jay.]

I had it in year 11, when my parents split up, it worked quite well. But obviously at the time I was literally dreading every single session and not wanting it. But I did work, I think. Thinking of trying it again for some other problems.

[Livia]

I had counselling through victim support when I was attacked at work. I was thoroughly sceptical about it and was unsure how it could help. But it helped so much, I had no idea how much I needed it. I had a good rapport with the counsellor and he helped me no end. I'd encourage anyone to consider it if they felt they needed it.

[Kizzy]

I think bereavement counselling should be sought by more people, even when the relatives are very old, my daughters best friend is still suffering quite badly following the death of her nan almost 2yrs ago

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

I think bereavement counselling should be sought by more people, even when the relatives are very old, my daughters best friend is still suffering quite badly following the death of her nan almost 2yrs ago

Yeah, i should get that. In recent years i lost both my mum and my brother. My head is still all over the place.

[JoshBB]

I believe it can help people

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Livia

I had counselling through victim support when I was attacked at work. I was thoroughly sceptical about it and was unsure how it could help. But it helped so much, I had no idea how much I needed it. I had a good rapport with the counsellor and he helped me no end. I'd encourage anyone to consider it if they felt they needed it.

Jeez :/