As each of us grows up, we develop coping strategies to help us interact with and make sense of the world around us, and of our own lives. These mechanisms can often serve us well for years – until, at some point, we find ourselves feeling lost or stuck or out of control. Even those who are normally capable and strong can, at certain times, feel vulnerable or struggle to cope.

How counselling works

Modern neuroscience is now proving what human beings have always known: that difficult feelings are easier to contain and resolve in the presence of another person. In other words, the way we’re built means that talking changes things.

Counselling and psychotherapy work by tapping into this natural human characteristic, allowing you to talk things through at your own pace and feel genuinely heard and supported. Counselling provides a uniquely focused, safe and confidential environment to look at difficult issues – something that can’t always be found with friends or family. In this space there is room for the heart to speak and self-awareness to grow. By exploring your experience gently and steadily, with a calm and non-judgmental therapist, you can make sense of where you are and look more clearly at the future.

Achieving change

Research has shown that 80% of people who undertake counselling at times of stress feel better than those who don’t. At Anchor we see counselling as a sort of ‘midwife for change’ during these difficult periods, providing the support you need to make meaningful and lasting changes in your own life, and helping restore a natural sense of vitality and well-being.

The journey towards change can be a challenging one – but choosing to start counselling is the only step that needs to be taken alone. From there on, it is a joint endeavour.