What are talking therapies?

Counselling is sometimes called a talking therapy. People can talk to a counsellor about any issues. Counsellors are trained to listen in a certain way and help people examine and resolve issues they may have. Everyone has different ways of coping with their personal difficulties and may deal with stressful situations in a variety of ways. However, in certain situations, talking to a professional counsellor may be very helpful. Admitting you need help is the first positive step. At times of stress, disappointment, anxiety, or grief seeking assistance can help you deal with your feelings and emotions. Counselling can be a positive way of addressing any unresolved issues that you may have. Your counsellor will help you to understand your problems better, rather than ignoring them and hoping that they will go away, only for them to come back later.

NICE (National Institute of Clinical Evidence) considers that Counselling may be helpful in treating the following conditions:

depression, anxiety,

obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),

long-term illnesses,

eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and

substance abuse.

Counselling can help people:

discuss their problems honestly and openly, deal with issues that are preventing them from achieving their goals and ambitions,

and

have a more positive outlook on life.

Counselling at CYCA

CYCA specialises in offering counselling to young people as well as adults in the local community. It has operated a school based counselling service for the last three years during which time several hundred young people have received counselling. Several types of counselling are offered:

Solution focussed brief therapy.

This is short term therapy where the counsellor and client focus on the problem and how it may be solved. The theory is that we all have the ability within ourselves to solve our problems. This type of therapy is particularly useful for young people who find engaging in more reflective therapy difficult.

Time limited and open ended counselling.

Counselling can either be for a stated amount of time, usually 6 – 8 sessions or can be open ended. Open ended counselling is used for the more complex problems where there may be more than one issue to deal with.

Anger Management

This is a 6 week intervention specifically focussing on anger issues. It combines REBT counselling strategies with the emwave pc stress relief system software to help the clients monitor and practice their anger management strategies.

Training workshops

CYCA can also provide training workshops related to counselling skills. Full details of these workshops can be found on our website www.cycaonline.org