Counselling Knowledge base

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), also known as a talking therapy, is a way of exploring the way you think, the way you think about your life, and the way you behave. CBT aims to overcome and free a person from unhelpful thoughts and negative cycles or patterns of behaviour.

Over a number of sessions, goals are often set, and tasks are carried out with the overall aim of breaking problems down into manageable parts. CBT can equip a person to identify negative thought patterns and apply a highly effective set of coping skills.

CBT has been shown to be highly effective for a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. CBT has become a highly popular and effective form of talking therapy and is also recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the NHS.

Qualified practitioners of Cognitive behavioural therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about CBT please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/cognitive-behavioural-therapy.html

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) was developed by clinical psychologist Paul Raymond Gilbert, who noticed that many people he was trying to help suffered from a high degree of self criticism or shame. The ‘inner critic’ in us is thought to stem from a conflict between parts of our brain; the primitive, survivalist ‘fight or flight’ part, and the more recently evolved sense of self, including our ability to visualise, and our imagination.

Whilst all therapies involve compassion, CFT helps you to more consciously develop your ability to be more compassionate towards yourself, and to others.

Qualified practitioners of Compassion Focused Therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about CFT please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/compassion-focused-therapy.html

Couples and Relationship counselling, also a form of talking therapy, aims to improve communications, identify and resolve issues in any intimate relationship, including marriage.

Although ‘relationship counselling’ can be conducted on a one-to-one basis, couples counselling is conducted with the two people in a relationship. A safe, non-judgemental environment helps to open up communications and will help couples to share their thoughts and reach their own conclusions, under professional guidance.

Sometimes considered a ‘last resort’ course of action, couples therapy can also help to just keep a relationship healthy, and can address problems early on to avoid any potential future conflicts.

Qualified practitioners in Couples counselling are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about CFT please see: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/marriage.html

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) was originally developed in the 1980’s as a shorter term therapy for couples. EFT concentrates in the here and now, and aims to make changes in the present, to our emotional relationships.

This is done by discussing and observing the emotional dynamics of home life, and to illicit new conversations based on more honest feelings. The cause of such emotions is explored, and their expression is used to connect, rather than disconnect with a partner or family member.

Another way of understanding EFT is to consider the premise that human emotions are connected to human needs. Emotions therefore have a highly adaptive potential that can help people address emotional problems and conditions within a close relationship.

EFT encompasses a study of our differing emotional response types, and may include other elements of other experiential, person centred or Gestalt therapies.

Qualified practitioners in Emotionally Focused Therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about EFT please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/marriage.html

Existential therapy takes its origins from the complex analytical works of 19th century philosophers such as Kierkergaard and Nietzsche. Rather than focus on early experience or the past, existential therapy concerns itself with the current concept of self, of life and the general human condition.

Rather than identifying the experience of anxiety or depression as being associated with mental illness, existentialism and existential therapy see these experiences as a natural phase of our development and maturation. The consideration of isolation, death, our responsibilities and the realms of our existence are accepted as part of the human condition.

For many the realisation that they need not be defined by their history, nor are predestined toward a certain future can be a liberating and intellectually valuable experience.

Existential therapy can encourage people to live fully in the present, to take ownership of their day to day lives, to find greater meaning and a better understanding of life and humankind.

Qualified practitioners in Existential therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Existential therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/existential-therapy.html

Gestalt therapy was developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls and Paul Goodman in the mid 20th century. Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on self awareness and experience in a person’s present state.

The therapist/client relationship can have particular significance in Gestalt therapy, helping the client to understand the truth of an experience rather than an interpretation of events or its preconception. In some ways Gestalt therapy is Socratic, (from the Greek philosopher Socrates) – from whom a central tenet is, to ‘know one’s self’.

Role play, dialogue, dreams and body language can all be observed and explored in Gestalt therapy; and help an individual to become more aware of how they think, feel and act in the present moment.

Qualified practitioners in Gestalt therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Gestalt therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/gestalt-therapy.html

Rather than one-to-one counselling, group therapy is conducted with a group of people (typically between five or ten). Group therapy can have many positive benefits; meeting others with similar issues or worries, and the sessions provide a supportive environment and a natural support network.

Group therapy is conducted by a qualified therapist, who facilitates and guides the discussion in a meeting. Discussion is open, honest, and voluntary, but confidential outside of the group. There may well be positive activities such as icebreakers, trust building or psychological exercises; these are designed and intended to assist individuals gain insight or increase their self-awareness.

Group therapy can help with a wide range of issues including addiction, bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and eating disorders.

Qualified counsellors in Group therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Group therapy please see: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/group-therapy.htmlGroup therapy is conducted by a qualified therapist, who facilitates and guides the discussion in a meeting. Discussion is open, honest, and voluntary, but confidential outside of the group. There may well be positive activities such as icebreakers, trust building or psychological exercises; these are designed and intended to assist individuals gain insight or increase their self-awareness.

Group therapy can help with a wide range of issues including addiction, bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and eating disorders.

Qualified counsellors in Group therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Group therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/group-therapy.html

Human Givens theory is based on the theory that in addition to the obvious physical needs, or ‘givens’ of existence, there are also strong and deeply rooted emotional needs. These are similarly essential to our health and happiness.

The emotional ‘givens’, are typically characterised as nine types: Security, Autonomy and control, Status, Privacy, Attention, Connection to the wider community, Intimacy, Competence and achievement, Meaning and purpose.

To fulfil our emotional needs we must realise and utilise our own innate tools and guidance systems. These are referred to as our ‘resources’ and include our ability for rational and analytical thought, our dreams, memories, our ability to learn, to empathise and for creative thought and metaphorical abstraction.

Although considered a relatively recent therapy, Human Givens therapy is used increasingly as an individually tailored approach by therapists to address a range of issues. These can include, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addiction and anger management.

Qualified practitioners in Human Givens therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Human Givens psychotherapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/human-givens-therapy.html

Humanistic therapies are concerned with self awareness and self exploration, in the ‘here and now’. The humanistic approach also positively pre-supposes that we all desire and move towards goodness, and that with the right support and guidance we can all achieve greater self knowledge, self belief and personal growth.

Humanistic therapies typically include: Existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, Human Givens psychotherapy, Person-centred therapy, Psycho-synthesis, Reality therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Transactional analysis, and Trans-personal psychology

Qualified practitioners in Humanistic Therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Humanistic therapies please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/humanistic.html

Integrative Therapy is a combination of different types of counselling or psychotherapy. To provide an individual with the best help, an integrative therapist may draw upon many techniques and approaches, utilising different therapeutic methods and disciplines.

Often this combined, and practical approach is described as ‘tailoring the therapy to the client, and not the client to the therapy’. Integrative therapy is a highly tailored and varied therapy, and therefore may require a greater number of sessions, over a longer period of time.

Qualified practitioners in Integrative Therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Integrative Therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/integrative-therapy.html

Mindfulness is an increasingly popular way of thinking, and is a highly effective form of therapy. Simply put, mindfulness encourages us to stop for a moment from the day to day business of life, to take pause, and to be in the moment. By paying attention to what is happening in and around us, moment by moment, we can greatly improve our mental well-being.

Mindfulness promotes a clearer awareness of the present moment, its sights, sounds, tastes and smells. As important to mindfulness is the awareness of our own thoughts and feelings as they happen. This can be a potent tool in recognising our own thought patterns, and potentially our own repeating stresses and anxieties. The technique can allow us to better observe such thoughts a little more dispassionately, and with more ‘self-awareness’.

Mindfulness is increasingly used in all areas of life. It has been used in education, business and even prisons. As a technique, it has also been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), in the treatment of depression. Mindfulness can help us to reconnect us with ourselves, and to alleviate stress.

Qualified practitioners in Mindfulness counselling are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Mindfulness please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/mindfulness.html

Developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950’s, person-centred therapy is an approach that develops a person’s own ability to reach their full potential. The person, rather than the therapist is seen as the expert, utilising their own innate ability to ‘self-actualise’; to discover their own independent potential and fulfilment with the right support and understanding.

The relationship with one’s therapist is very important in this process. A safe, non-judgemental environment allows candour, trust and empathy between the parties.

Person-centred therapy can help a person reconnect to their inner self, to better understand their own feelings, and to recognise the differences between their ‘idealised self’ and their ‘actual self’.

Person-centred therapy can therefore help to develop a stronger sense of self, self belief, self confidence, and self expression.

Qualified practitioners in Person-centred counselling are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Person-centred therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/person-centred-therapy.html

For children, play is an essential part of personal development. Play helps to develop our emotional, interpersonal, creative, physical, communicative and cognitive skills.

Sometimes a child’s behaviour may be a cause for concern, such as stress, anxiety, anger or other disruptive behaviour. To explore and address such issues, adults would benefit from talking therapies, but for children, play therapy allows them to express themselves and communicate on their own level, and at their own pace.

Generally speaking, difficult emotions or experiences cannot be verbally articulated by a child, and play therapy can be a highly effective medium through which they express themselves – this gives the therapist a window into their experience, and a method to explore and address emotional or other issues.

A strong therapeutic relationship with a child is essential in play therapy, and shared activities may include, drawing, storytelling, sculpture, movement and dance, or role play.

Qualified practitioners in Play therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Play therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/play-therapy.html

Psychoanalytic theory and this method of talking therapy was developed in the late nineteenth century by Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud.

Psychoanalysis looks at the role that early or childhood experiences have on our current mental health, the formation of our personalities and our relationships. Psychoanalytical Therapy can help a person gain insight into how formative experiences and unconscious feelings may influence current concerns or behaviours.

Typically, psychoanalytical therapy is a longer term form of therapy, but for many the results can be life changing.

Psychoanalytical therapy may use a variety of interpretive methods including: a discursive exploration of early experiences, free association exercises, dream analysis and insights into therapeutic transference. Psychoanalytical Therapy is conducted in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.

Qualified practitioners in Psychoanalytical therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Psychoanalytical Therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/psychoanalytical.html

Psychodynamic therapy (or Psychodynamic counselling) broadly includes the Psychoanalytical therapeutic approaches devised by Sigmund Freud. In addition however, this therapy will also employ the methods used in all analytic therapies. (There have been many developments and extensions made in this field by the likes of Carl Jung, Melanie Klein and others).

Psychodynamic Therapy is generally considered to be less intensive than psychoanalysis. That said, it still aims to identify and understand deep rooted emotions from early experiences that unconsciously affect our current behaviour and relationships, and to which we may have unknowingly developed defence mechanisms.

To become conscious of our internalised emotions, allows greater control over them, and psychodynamic therapy aims to give a person the ability to develop helpful new patterns of behaviour.

Qualified practitioners in Psychodynamic Therapies are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Psychodynamic therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/psychodynamic-therapy.html

Relational counselling is based upon the premise that to feel content with ourselves and our lives, we need to have good relationships with others. Such relationships may include our partners, family, friends or colleagues.

Often feelings of depression and anxiety can be traced back to tensions or breakdowns in our relationships, or indeed in our inability to meaningfully connect with others.

Employing techniques from the psychodynamic therapies, relational therapy includes the following assertions: healthy and positive connection to others matters significantly in our mental well-being, mental health issues can stem directly from disconnection from others, other social and cultural factors may play a part in the dynamics of our relationships, the ‘past informs the present’ (past relationships inform our approach to current and future relationships), to be ‘authentically ourselves’ is vital for any successful relationship.

Qualified practitioners in Relational therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Relational therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/interpersonal-therapy.html

Solution focused brief therapy was principally developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the late 20th century.

Rather than focus heavily on the past, or on the provenance of a mental or emotional issue, solution focused therapy will instead seek to identify and use current strengths and resources to achieve a solution or goal. Solution focused therapy pragmatically looks at what is changeable and possible right now in our lives, and has been particularly helpful to couples, families and children.

This form of therapy is often described as including the ‘miracle question’: to describe the world where one’s problem miraculously, does not exist. This can enable a client to visualise a solution to their problems, and with help, to make small realistic steps to solve them. Central to solution focused therapy is helping a person to realise their own ability to create immediate positive changes in their lives, and in their behaviour.

Qualified practitioners in Solution Focused Brief Therapy are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Solution focused brief therapy please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/solution-focused-brief-therapy.html

Transactional Analysis is often described as one of the most highly accessible and understandable theories of psychology. Developed chiefly by Eric Berne in the mid 20th century, Transactional Analysis concerns the three ‘ego states’ of an individual. These are termed the parent, adult and child states.

Briefly put, the three states can be described as follows:

The ‘Parent’ ego state represents our nurtured past (emotions or behaviours leant from our own parents, or others who made a significant impact in our upbringing). The ‘parent’ component of our personalities can be supportive as well as critical.

The ‘Adult’ ego state is very much in the present, how we respond to things in the ‘here and now’. This is essentially us at our most rational, our behaviour unhampered or uninfluenced by past emotions.

The ‘Child’ ego state is rooted in our past and early life, and includes our thoughts, feelings and behaviours which accompanied external events, learnt from early childhood up to about the age of five.

The three ego-states can be used to describe and understand how we express ourselves, interact with other people, and how we form and conduct ourselves in close relationships.

To be supportively guided, and to become aware of how these three states can interact in sometimes complex ways in all our communications, we can achieve personal growth and positive change in our behaviour, self awareness and general mental health.

Qualified practitioners in Transactional Analysis are available at the Haslemere Clinic.

Contact us to book an appointment here.

For more information about Transactional Analysis please see:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/transactional-analysis.html

Any relationship, and the the well being of an individual can be affected by an affair or a betrayal. An affair is usually infidelity within in a marriage or relationship, but there are other forms of betrayal, from financial dishonesty to secretive gambling or alcohol or substance abuse.

The effects or an affair or a betrayal can be serious, and without help, it can seem difficult to find a way towards reconciliation, healing or a sense of peace again.

Affairs & Betrayals Counselling is available at The Haslemere Clinic from qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Affairs & Betrayals can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/infidelity.html

Although a natural and sometimes helpful emotion, anger can too often become excessive or poorly managed for some of us.

Anger and aggression, violent or abusive behaviour, can be destructive when out of control, affecting you and others around you. Poor emotional control may also indicate other deeper emotional issues.

Effective anger management can help a person to potentially understand the causes, signs and triggers for their anger, and learn methods to manage and control their behaviour – to stay calm and stay in control.

Anger Management Counselling is available at The Haslemere Clinic qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Anger Management can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/anger.html

Career counselling can involve many areas of support in the pursuit of your work and career goals.

These can include: addressing any negative thoughts or behaviours you may have, helping with your self confidence, identifying opportunities and creative ways to realise your career plans, improve your work life balance, realising your career objectives, exploring your skills, identifying your goals, and resolving difficulties at work.

Career Counselling is available at The Haslemere Clinic, from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Careers counselling can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/career.html

It is estimated that one in eight people in the UK are carers of some sort.

Importantly, caregivers are most often relatives or friends of those they are caring for. They provide care for the ill, the elderly, the disabled, or those suffering from mental illness.

Their hours are often long and round the clock, and many may have to juggle the care they provide around their own jobs and other commitments. Care-giving can be a stressful and difficult endeavour; many carers may need help with their own problems relating to: health, well being, finances, stress, compassion fatigue, relationships and respite from their care work.

Counselling and support for Carers is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Carers support can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/carers-support.html

Child counselling is a specialist field, and aims to give a child the space and opportunity to talk without fear of judgement.

Talking with a qualified counsellor in a safe environment and away from school or the home, can take away some of the pressure facing a child, and allow them to better express their feelings.

Child counselling can help with many issues, commonly including: bullying, learning difficulties, anxiety, bereavement, behavioural problems, separation anxiety, attachment disorders or depression.

Child Counselling and child related issues support is available at The Haslemere Clinic our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Child related issues can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/childrelatedissues.html

We will all experience grief and bereavement at some point in our lives. The loss of a loved one can have a profound effect on our emotional well being, how we cope with the loss, and our outlook on life. There are many ways in which grief manifests, and grief itself has different stages – it is a complex and intensely personal experience.

It can be hugely beneficial to find support and guidance at such times in life.

Bereavement Counselling is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Bereavement can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/bereavement.html

The term Disability covers a very large number of limiting conditions. The World Health Organisation refers to a spectrum of conditions which can be described as ‘impairments’, ‘activity limitations’ and ‘participation restrictions’.

An impairment is classed as a problem in body function or body structure. ‘Activity limitations’ cause difficulties when undertaking a certain task or action. A ‘participation restriction’ causes difficulties when undertaking what are considered day-to-day tasks.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects disabled people from being treated unfairly in many aspects of life, including education, work, access to facilities, goods, transport and general services.

Disability may also be classed as: physical, cognitive, developmental, emotional, sensory, learning, mental, long term / chronic.

Disability counselling can provide confidential help and support to those living with a disability, as well as their partners, family and carers.

Counselling and support for Disability is available at The Haslemere Clinic, from qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Depression can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/disabilities.html

Many people may experience dissociation (dissociate) at some point during their life.

If you dissociate, you might feel temporarily disconnected from yourself and the world around you. You may even feel detached from your own body, or feel as though the world around you is unreal. That said, everyone’s experience of disassociation is unique.

Dissociation is one of the ways the mind copes with too much stress, such as during or following a traumatic event.

Dissociative episodes can last for a relatively short time (hours or days) or for much longer (weeks or months). They may involve amnesia, or in some cases, temporarily assuming a different identity.

If you dissociate for a long time, especially when you are young, you may develop what’s termed a dissociative disorder. Instead of dissociation being something you experience for a short time it becomes a far more common experience, and is often becomes the main way you deal with highly stressful experiences.

The related disorders can be very complex and difficult to treat – and may require long-term support. Due to this, as with all therapy an counselling, finding someone you feel comfortable with and able to trust is essential.

Counselling and support for Dissociative disorders is available at The Haslemere Clinic from qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Dissociation can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/dissociation.html

Families are complex and dynamic groups, be they blood relatives, foster, or adoptive families. Families also encounter a host of issues and problems, from changing family dynamics, separation, marital breakdown, divorce, bereavement, moving house, money problems, changes in family structure, children, adolescence, sibling rivalries, step families, ageing relatives and many more.

Such problems or changes are sources of significant stress.

Every family is unique, and family counselling must therefore be flexible. If other family members are involved, counsellors must also retain neutrality at all times to establish an open, blame free forum for discussion.

Family Counselling is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Family Issues and Family Counselling can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/family-issues.html

Generally considered to be a symptom of OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder), hoarding is thought to affect up to three million people in the UK. Hoarding is the desire or strong compulsion to collect or acquire new objects and processions, and to store them.

Hoarding often leads to an excessive quantity of processions, and their storage can lead to dangerous or unsanitary living conditions.

Hoarding is often a symptom of other underlying mental health issues, but there are effective therapies to explore and address the condition, in a safe and non judgemental environment.

Counselling for Hoarding is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Hoarding can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/compulsive-hoarding.html

Learning difficulties can be described as difficulty in acquiring knowledge and skills to the normal level expected of those of the same age, especially because of mental disability or cognitive disorder.

A Learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime, and covers a wide range of learning and behavioural challenges from mild to severe.

Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. It’s thought up to 350,000 people have a severe learning disability. Children and young people with a learning disability may also have special educational needs (SEN).

With the right support, those with learning difficulties can learn to communicate more effectively (or in different ways), be involved in decisions about themselves, pursue activities or vocations they enjoy, and achieve more independence.

The responsibilities and challenges faced by those caring for children or adults with learning difficulties can be significant.

Counselling and support for Learning Difficulties or carers is available at The Haslemere Clinic from qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Learning Difficulties can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/learning-difficulties.html

Confidence can be described as a belief in yourself, your ability to succeed and feeling comfortable with your abilities: it’s the means to realise your full potential and be the person you want to be.

The factors that contribute to low self-confidence combine and interact differently for each person. Your general disposition, childhood experiences, and other personal life circumstances can all play a role.

Confidence is however a very flexible trait, and there are very effective methods and techniques available to understand and overcome low self confidence.

Counselling for Low Self Confidence is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Low Self Confidence can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/confidence.html

Self-esteem is about our own relationship with ourselves, and how we feel deep down about who we are.

It can relate to the value we place on our own worth, our strengths, abilities and individuality.

Low self esteem should not be confused with ‘self confidence’, (which is broadly how others see us, how we present ourselves, and what we achieve).

When low self-esteem becomes a long-term problem, it can have a harmful effect on our mental health and our lives, and we can also feel less able to take on the challenges that life throws at us.

There are various methods and strategies one can adopt to boost self-esteem, for example to identify the negative beliefs we have about ourselves, then challenge them. Good support can help us to recognise the causes of low self esteem and to adopt techniques to improve our self esteem. These may include: identifying what we’re good at, building more positive relationships, being kinder to ourselves, learning to be more assertive, and to give ourselves challenges.

Counselling and support for Low Self-esteem are available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Low Self-esteem can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/esteem.html

In the modern economy, redundancy from work is an increasingly common occurrence.

The effects of redundancy can be difficult to cope with; the immediate loss of and income and security, and the psychological and emotional effects. There may be a severe sense of loss, the stress of job seeking or needing to re-skill, and the potential drop in self esteem and self confidence.

Staying positive and seeing new opportunities can be challenging.

In addition to the practical support* available to those made redundant, confidential counselling can help to address the issues of positivity, self esteem, anxiety or depression.

*See also:

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/work-and-redundancy

Counselling and support for Redundancy is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Redundancy can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/redundancy.html

We are a social species and social interaction and meaningful relationships are highly important to us.

It is true however, that fulfilling and lasting relationships can require effort and support, and will not necessarily always last.

Relationships are unique and varied, be they a marriage, a partnership, a friendship or our relationship with family members or work colleagues. Relationships are complex, but there are certain characteristics that commonly define a healthy connection with another person: Trust, mindfulness, good communication and mutual respect.

A relationship may be compromised or break down for many reasons; chief among these can be: a betrayal or an affair, separation or divorce, prenuptial stresses, family disagreements, or cross-cultural relationships.

Relationship counselling (attended as an individual, or a couple), can be highly effective in understanding where a relationship has problems and how to rebuild it, or how to come to terms with a separation if a relationship has failed.

Relationship counselling is carried out in a safe place, on neutral ground, and in a space free from judgement.

Counselling and support for Relationship problems is available at The Haslemere Clinic, from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Relationship problems can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/relationship.html

Then end of a relationship can be an intensely difficult period, involving powerful emotions, great practical changes and responsibilities (especially where children are involved). Also associated with the end of a relationship are disappointments, loneliness, depression, feelings of failure, or conflict.

Separation or divorce counselling can help with the serous issues and emotions involved at the end of a relationship. Your counsellor can help you: to minimise the impact on children and family; to better understand what has happened; to help you find closure and perspective; to support and help you to move forward positively, and to create positive change.

There is never a wrong time to seek help and counselling and an experienced counsellor will be able to help you in a structured and non judgemental way, and when complex emotions can be overwhelming.

Counselling and support for Separation and divorce is available at The Haslemere Clinic from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Separation and divorce can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/separation.html

Technically and academically, there is no single, universally agreed upon definition of spirituality. Surveys of the term’s definition as used in scholarly research, show a broad range of definitions and with only limited overlap. (The term has Old French, Latin and Greek origins).

We might however usefully describe spirituality as personal experiences and inner thoughts that relate to life’s meaning and purpose, our deeper identity, and our connection to nature and the universe.

Spirituality does not necessarily relate to any religion or belief system, (although religious experiences and a connection to a God, or Gods, are also described as spiritual).

Spirituality is often intensely personal, and can be profoundly helpful in developing a deeper connection to others, and improving our own contentment in life. Spiritual practices may include: rituals and other forms of worship, prayer, meditation, pilgrimages, retreats, Yoga, mantras spiritual groups, creativity, music and art.

Spirituality can also be a powerful tool in dealing with stress, overcoming addiction or trauma, self improvement and improving mental and physical health.

Some people may want to explore their spirituality with a professional counsellor. The ability to explore different ideas and beliefs without judgement, and in a safe relaxed space, can be hugely rewarding.

Counselling and support for Spirituality is available at The Haslemere Clinic, from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Spirituality can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/spirituality.html

Stress is a part of everyday life, and a small amounts of stress can motivate us to positive action. Too much stress however, and over a prolonged period, can adversely affect our mental and physical well being.

The stress reaction causes physical changes in the body designed to help us take on threats or difficulties .It is also called the ‘fight or flight’ response. Once these threats pass, the physical effects usually fade. However, an ongoing state of stress for whatever reason, can keeps the body in a ‘state of alert‘, and we may develop stress-related symptoms. These may manifest physically (affecting our immune system and blood pressure for example), or emotionally (leading to anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia and other mental health problems).

Day to day life can be a source of high stress. Common examples include: our relationships, finances, careers, bereavement, illness, family life and children, or poverty. Often, even though a situation or event may be a wholly positive one, it can still be stressful.

If you feel you are suffering from stress. Your first option may be to see your GP. He or she may often recommend counselling and psychotherapy to help understand the underlying reasons and source of your stress and help you to manage it. Understanding your ‘stress triggers’ and ways of coping with them, including relaxation techniques, can significantly improve matters.

Stress Counselling is available at The Haslemere Clinic, from our qualified counsellors.

See also: http://www.stress.org.uk/

See also: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

Further information and support links about Stress can be found here:

 https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/stress.html

Work-related stress, is stress relating to our place of work, our colleagues or superiors, or our career.

In general, we lead increasingly stressful lives and a survey commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation in 2018, found that 74% of UK adults claimed to have felt so stressed at some point over the last year, they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

With respect to our places of work, The Health and Safety Executive cite that there were more than 480,000 reported cases of of work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the UK in 2015/16.

Stress that is particular to our places of work can include: high or unfair demands on our time or our abilities, workplace bullying, unrealistic deadlines, internal competition or rivalries, unrealistic deadlines, or feeling under valued, underpaid, under-skilled or made to feel professionally inadequate in some way.

Importantly, for some issues and sources of stress, you may want to speak to a colleague, manager or your HR department. In the case of bullying or harassment, there will be internal procedures in place that can support you.

Word related stress can lead to increasing anxiety, depression, insomnia, low self-esteem, low confidence and even suicidal thoughts.

Speaking with a qualified counsellor can help to identify the sources of your stress and way of coping with the problem. Counselling and talking therapies , including Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can offer neutral, private and non-judgemental support and resolution to any issues you may be facing.

Counselling and support for Work-related stress is available at The Haslemere Clinic, from our qualified counsellors.

Further information and support links about Work-related stress can be found here:

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/workissues.html