How counselling helped Robert
I never really felt I fitted in, ever since my school days when I was bullied for being 'different'. I thought I'd put this experience behind me and was getting on with my life but the breakdown of relationships both at home and at work brought these feelings of inferiority flooding back. It was at this point that I realised I needed someone to talk to about my problems.
I organised an initial session with Andrew, who was a counselling psychologist. At first, it was difficult to open up to a complete stranger about how I felt but Andrew listened in a non-judgemental way, which soon put me at ease. It was, in fact, a relief to talk to someone not directly involved in my relationships. Andrew drew attention to things I mentioned which gave me food for thought and pointed out the way previous experiences could impact on my life now.
As the sessions progressed, it became easier to talk about my past and we also focused on the unhelpful ways I tried to cope such as withdrawing from people and overeating. By talking things through, I came to understand the reasons why I behaved and felt the way I did which helped me to change.
I realised my feelings of rejection from school had been transferred into adulthood. I now understand that if people disagree with my point of view or I look different to them it doesn't necessarily mean they dislike or reject me. As a result, my self-esteem is a lot healthier as I try not to withdraw from people or comfort eat to make myself feel better when conflict arises. I still have the odd bad day but I feel a lot better about myself and a lot more confident in my ability to be better able to manage my relationships in the future.
If, like Robert, you need to talk to someone about difficulties you are currently experiencing or something that has happened in the past, please contact us.
Practitioners offering counselling at our Edinburgh centre:
Ewan Gillon Chartered Psychologist
Flora Maclay, Chartered Psychologist
Tasim Martin-Berg, Chartered Psychologist
Sally McKenna, Chartered Psychologist
Laura Taylor, Chartered Psychologist
Lindsay Crago, Counsellor/Psychotherapist/Couples Counsellor
Chris Denmark, Couples Counsellor/Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
Maisie Hennessey, Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Tanya Richardson, Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Ronen Stilman, Counsellor/Master NLP Practitioner
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