ABOUT COUNSELLINGAt times we can find ourselves less able to manage daily life situations and challenges, and this can develop into feelings such as stress, anxiety, depression, and anger which can lead to further problems. Sometimes a forthcoming or past event, a change in circumstances or certain life stages can exacerbate feelings of ill ease, these can appear as major or even minor issues and sometimes it can be difficult to understand why we are so affected, our reactions can be confusing.
Counselling offers you the opportunity to talk things through, in confidence, and explore your issues and feelings and express yourself safely with a skilled and caring person who is specially trained to help you reach a better understanding of your problems and give you the confidence to decide the best way forward for yourself, without the interruption of advice or criticism.
The counselling relationship is non-judgemental and seeks to gain an understanding of the client's issues and feelings as deeply as possible thus facilitating a space where the client can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their situation, feelings and reactions. This may involve dealing with very painful memories from the past.
Counselling is a process involving the client and therapist working together to explore issues and feelings. An initial appointment can be made to discuss the client's presenting problems and further weekly appointments can be arranged to meet and work together confidentially.
Counselling children requires the use of special counselling skills and techniques adapted to allow children to communicate in an safe and age appropriate way. This may be through art, drawing, puppets, drama, story telling, sandtray work and the use of play materials. Therapy with younger children is often referred to as Play Therapy because it uses play, the language of children, as a means of communication. See "Child Counselling" page for more information. Phone 07769 653025 e-mail: mary.cobb@ntlworld.com 
07769 653025