If you have not previously experienced counselling, it can
feel daunting and overwhelming.
You may be experiencing one or more of the following:
1. A sense of something not being right, it may be feelings,
emotions, behaviour. It may be hard to name it, often a sense, an unease over
something.
2. The unease can’t be silenced or dismissed; it makes
itself known
3. The unease is wanting to be addressed.
4. A sense of something needing to change.
5. A recognition that you may need help.
Emotional signs
These may often be subtle shifts in mood and feelings that impact
on our day to day functioning. Feelings may feel intense and uncontrollable, we
may not be able to see what is triggering mood changes, we may be feeling
overwhelmed by everyday stressors.
·
Continual feelings of sadness or hopelessness:
·
Overwhelming anxiety or fear
·
Mood swings
·
Difficulty coping with stress or loss
Cognitive signs
These signs are often overlooked or misunderstood, they cover
a wide range of mental processes, including thought patterns, decision-making
abilities and self-perception. The fast paced nature of life and constant
distractions can make it difficult to prioritise and focus on tasks
effectively.
Concentration difficulties can arise from underlying mental
health challenges, for example anxiety and depression.
Intrusive or obsessive thoughts can cause distress and
impact normal daily activities, heightened self-criticism and perfectionism tendencies
can lead to chronic stress, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Physical signs
These can provide a valuable insight into underlying
emotional struggles; signs can manifest in the body’s response to stress and
emotional distress.
·
Unexplained aches and pains
·
Digestive issues
·
Chronic tension in the body
·
Fatigue
·
Low energy levels
·
Changes in sexual drive and functioning
It maybe helpful to think about the following questions,
what comes to mind when you do?
Do you want change?
How do you feel about asking for help and accepting support?
Do you feel able to open up and talk about yourself?
Do you have other issues affecting your wellbeing and day to
day life, that need your time and attention? Do these issues need advice and
support from a different source eg debt management advice?
You may not be ready for therapy if:
You do not want to talk about your feelings
You don’t believe that therapy can help you
You are feeling pressurised to enter into therapy
You don’t feel able to emotionally engage with the process
