How Counselling Changed My Life | And How It Might Help You Too
There was a time in my life when I felt like I was constantly holding my breath, always trying to get things right, to be what others needed, to keep everything going on the outside while quietly struggling inside. On paper, things looked fine. But inside, I felt anxious, disconnected and unsure of who I really was.
I first went to counselling as part of my training, not because I valued myself enough to seek it for my own wellbeing, but because I had to for my course.
At the time, I didn’t believe I was worth that kind of support or investment.
But through therapy, that began to change.
Starting counselling was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought I’d talk things through (for the required number of sessions I needed for my course!) and maybe get some advice.
What I found wasn’t advice, it was something much more powerful: space.
a space to be honest
a space to be heal
and in time, a space to grow.
finding myself in the process
It sounds like such a cliché to say ‘finding myself’, but honestly, as we go through life and connect with different people, it’s easy to lose touch with who we really are. We start changing, sometimes without even noticing, just to fit in or be who we think others expect us to be.
One of the most surprising things about therapy was how much I learned about myself. It gave me the tools to slow down and really listen to what I was feeling, not just what I thought I should be feeling.
I began to see how often I’d been putting others first, avoiding conflict, or downplaying my needs to stay safe and liked. In therapy, I realised how deeply that fear of not being “enough” had shaped my relationships. Over time, I learned to challenge those beliefs and begin building confidence from the inside out.
growing more authentic in relationships
One of the biggest gifts of counselling was the way it transformed my relationships. As I became more connected to myself - more honest, more present - my connections with others deepened too.
I started setting clearer boundaries, speaking up more freely, and letting people see the real me. Not the polished version, but the full picture: my vulnerability, my needs, my values. And instead of pushing people away, it actually brought me closer to those who mattered most.
Authenticity can be scary, especially if you’ve spent years protecting yourself or trying to meet expectations. But I can tell you - it’s worth it. There's something incredibly freeing about not having to perform anymore. Therapy gave me that.
the value of investing in yourself
Counselling is an investment, and not just in terms of money. Yes, paying for therapy might feel like a significant commitment, but when you consider the long-term benefits, it becomes clear how valuable this investment is.
Just like we would spend money on a gym membership or a course to improve our skills, investing in your mental and emotional health pays off in ways that last far beyond the sessions. I can say from personal experience that the return on that investment has been immeasurable - not only in how I feel, but in how I interact with the world.
You may not always see immediate results, but over time, therapy provides lasting change. It gives you tools to cope, understand yourself better, and break free from old patterns that no longer serve you. And that feeling better - the peace, confidence, and clarity that comes with it - is priceless.
why counselling is worth considering
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, many people I work with come because they want to understand themselves better, break out of stuck patterns, or feel more at ease in their own skin. It’s about growth, not just survival.
Some of the benefits I’ve experienced - and often see in others - include:
More confidence in expressing thoughts and feelings
Healthier, more honest relationships
Better ways to cope with stress, anxiety or overwhelm
Greater clarity about life goals and direction
A deeper sense of self-worth and peace
taking the first step
If you’re thinking about counselling, I want to encourage you: it’s okay not to have it all figured out. It’s okay to come as you are. Therapy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest, curious, and open to change.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I gave myself permission to step into that space. It changed how I relate to myself, how I show up for others and how I live my life.
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to offer that space for you too.
If you're considering counselling as a valuable form of support during challenging times, I offer a warm, friendly, and completely non-judgmental space designed to help you navigate through your feelings. My practice serves clients in Farnham and the surrounding areas, providing both in-person and convenient online sessions tailored to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Counselling in Farnham | You’re Welcome Here