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WHY COUNSELLING?

Clients come to counselling for many different reasons, each carrying their own unique experiences and challenges. While everyone's story is different, certain themes often surface.

This list highlights some of the feelings and situations that can lead people to seek support, giving you an idea of the kinds of things we can explore together.

EMPTINESS AND UNCERTAINTY

Feeling a sense of emptiness or uncertainty can be unsettling, leaving you questioning your purpose or direction in life. It might feel like something is missing, even if everything seems fine on the surface. You might be struggling to find meaning in your daily routine, feeling disconnected from your goals, or unsure about the next steps in your personal or professional life.

LIFE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONS

Big life changes—whether planned or unexpected—can bring mixed emotions. You might feel hopeful and excited, but also uncertain or overwhelmed. These transitions can shake your sense of stability or identity. Whether you're starting fresh in a new place, facing health challenges, or navigating a career change, it can be difficult to find your footing.

ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS

Anxiety can be like a constant hum in the background, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and daily life. It might come on suddenly or build over time, making it hard to feel calm or in control. You could be caught up in persistent worries, struggling to focus or sleep, and dealing with physical symptoms like a racing heart or restlessness.

UNRESOLVED PAST EXPERIENCES

Sometimes, past experiences linger and affect how you feel today. Whether it's an unresolved loss, a difficult childhood, or a painful event, these memories can feel heavy and persistent. You might notice recurring patterns in your behaviour or emotions, struggle with guilt or grief that won’t go away, or be caught off guard by unexpected memories that disrupt your day.

DEPRESSION AND LOW MOOD

When you're feeling low or hopeless, even simple tasks can feel exhausting. It might feel like you’re stuck in sadness or lacking motivation. You may find yourself drained despite getting rest and struggling to connect with others, leaving you feeling isolated or misunderstood.

IDENTITY AND BELONGING

When you're questioning who you are or where you belong, it can be a lonely and disorienting experience. You may feel pressured to fit into certain roles—whether at work, with family, or within your community—while your true self feels overlooked or hidden. This disconnect can leave you feeling inauthentic or out of place in social groups.

BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS

Grief doesn’t have a set timeline, and everyone’s experience is different. Some people gradually adapt, while others might feel stuck, as though their emotions remain frozen or unresolved. It can be difficult to re-engage with everyday life or find a sense of closure. You might feel weighed down by sadness, guilt, or anger that’s hard to express, or notice a growing distance between yourself and others who seem to have moved on.

TRAUMATIC BEREAVEMENT

The shock of a sudden or traumatic loss can turn life upside down. Whether it’s losing someone to an accident, illness, or suicide, the impact can be profound. If you’ve been a carer, the loss might also come with exhaustion, guilt, or unanswered questions. You might feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or numb and disconnected. Talking about what happened can feel impossible, leaving you struggling to find a way forward.

UNRECOGNISED GRIEF

Sometimes, the loss you’re grieving may not be acknowledged by others, which can make the experience feel isolating. You might be mourning a miscarriage, the death of an ex-partner or colleague, or the loss of a cherished pet. It could also be the loss of a dream or goal, like facing infertility or the end of a career. When grief goes unrecognised, it can feel invisible, leaving you without the support you need.

PET LOSS

Pets are often much more than companions—they can be a source of comfort, connection, and joy. Losing a pet can be deeply painful, but that grief isn’t always understood by others. If your pet was a long-time companion or emotional support, the loss may leave a significant gap in your life.

© 2024 Michaela Kirchem Counselling

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