I started counselling knowing something was wrong, but I couldn’t really pinpoint what it was. It wasn’t that something specific had happened, but I had been on the verge of tears almost daily for over a month. I was apprehensive about counselling because I thought every session would be me crying and falling apart, and I genuinely thought something had to be wrong in order to get counselling. On days when something happened or I felt emotional, I felt I needed professional help, but on better days, I felt like I was fine and didn’t need counselling. Another thing that made me apprehensive was my fear of crying. The thought of feeling so helpless and being in constant tears terrified me, but I told myself I’d try one session and see if it was for me. My first session was, in fact, mostly tears and me struggling to form sentences.

After that initial session, we continued with weekly sessions and eventually moved to every two weeks. What surprised me was how quickly Simon made me feel comfortable. I didn’t have to have the right words or even make sense. He helped me connect dots I didn’t realise were related and understand why I reacted to things the way I did, while being open to finding approaches that actually worked for me. I don’t shut down or internalise things like I used to, and I don’t handle difficulties the same way. The problems haven’t magically disappeared, but I handle them differently because Simon helped me find methods that work for me. I genuinely started seeing a change in myself, and I can honestly say counselling was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Opening up to a stranger and choosing to get help isn’t easy, but I’d definitely recommend trying at least one session and taking it from there. We discussed friendships, work, family dynamics and so much more. These sessions are what YOU want them to be about.

- Anonymous