First Steps offers a comprehensive and robust guide to new and experienced counselling- informed helpers and trainers at all levels of the UK counselling landscape. This new edition invites us to explore counselling’s foundations, history, theories, contemporary practice issues, dilemmas, debates and critiques, and signposts us on to further reading and future developments. Embedded as a continuous and necessary thread in this fifth edition is the insistence that all helping-relationship practitioners give attention to the impact of difference, diversity, power relations, and the wide range of social justice and equalities issues that result in oppressive practice, if left unrecognised by the helper. This gem of a book, panoramic in its scope, maps out the territory of counselling practice in clear, concise, accessible language, using light-touch, easy-to-follow explanations of sociological and psychological terminologies with humour and humility. There really is something in this book for everyone, whether you are learning something new or anew. A great counselling reference guide to have on your shelf that does not shirk the big issues or contradictions. You don’t have to wait until a crisis to seek counselling. Ongoing stress can be difficult to live with day to day and counselling can help alleviate some of that stress.

I listen to what my clients are saying for some people this may be the first time that anybody has really listened to them. This article explores what counseling is and is not, and the stages and steps involved in a successful outcome. Individuals’ expectations of group therapy must be realistic. Change takes time, whether in a group or an individual setting. Also, the counselor must educate clients that group therapy is not about shouting and heated exchanges. Sessions can be fun and rewarding. While there are guiding theories and principles, the counselor must make the counseling process specific to the individual.We support adults with a range of difficulties from loss, bereavement, separation and divorce, anxiety, depression, post natal depression, health issues, relationship issues, work stress, trauma and many other areas of support. Fragkiadaki, E., & Strauss, S. M. (2012). Termination of psychotherapy: The journey of 10 psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapists. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 85(3), 335–350. Sessions then moved on to explore Jenny’s beliefs about herself: where they came from, how they affected her, and their appropriateness for current and future circumstances.

Jenny ended counseling overjoyed with her new preferred beliefs, along with a renewed sense of confidence and control over her life. Saving a marriageGroup work can lead to disagreements. Concerns and ruptures should be worked through early on, either bringing up issues directly with the members involved or more generally as a group. While the counselor and client continue to build a beneficial, collaborative relationship, another process is underway: problem assessment. While we often see counseling and psychotherapy as interchangeable, there are subtle distinctions. Counseling is typically short term, dealing with present issues and involving a helping approach that “highlights the emotional and intellectual experience of a client,” including how they feel and think about a problem or concern (Krishnan, n.d., p. 6). Dedicated time set aside to explore difficulties, stressful situations, or emotional upset faced by a client

Being willing to seek and attend counseling is a crucial step for any individual. It involves the recognition that they need to make changes and require help to do so. Taking the next action often involves overcoming the anxiety of moving out of the comfort zone and engaging in new thinking patterns and behaviors. Each of the above steps is important. Taken together, they can facilitate the formation of a valuable counseling relationship. The counselor carefully listens and draws out information regarding the client’s situation (life, work, home, education, etc.) and the reason they have engaged in counseling. Sometimes people worry that their problem isn’t serious enough for counselling but we always say, if something is bothering you, it’s worth seeking support.Counseling for addiction aims to help people change behaviors and attitudes around using a substance, as well as strengthening life skills and supporting other treatments. Medication is not a standalone treatment for addiction and should accompany other management methods such as psychotherapy. Drawing counseling to a close must be planned well in advance to ensure a positive conclusion is reached while avoiding anger, sadness, or anxiety (Fragkiadaki & Strauss, 2012).