03/08/2026
What counselling is not:
I thought I might dispel some myths around counselling today, because these are things that have come up more than once over the decade or so that I've been a counsellor.
Firstly, and this is the most common misconception, is the idea that a counsellor will 'sort your life out for you'. Unfortunately/fortunately (depending on your view!) we won't do that, because we can't. A counsellor won’t make decisions for you or tell you what to do - and nor should they. The fact is, it's your life and you really are the only one who can figure out what's best for you.
It also isn’t an hour where you sit and talk while the counsellor simply nods and offers very little in return - at least it shouldn't be anyway. If you are feeling that you aren't getting what you need from your counsellor in terms of feedback or helpful responses, express that to them. If you still feel the same way in subsequent sessions, maybe you might think about finding someone else to work with.
It also isn’t “just a chat”, although it should feel natural and comfortable enough to feel like a conversation. There’s a lot going on in that room that you will be unaware of; a counsellor has trained for 3+ years so that the session feels unforced, whilst working very hard to understand you, your situation, your blocks, your history and anything else you bring to them.
It is not like the therapy you see in films and TV programmes either - you won’t be expected to lie down on a sofa while I sit behind you silently scribbling on a notepad! Neither will I order a Chinese, eat my packed lunch or tell you countless stories about myself 😄
It is also not a place where you are expected to be 100% serious and on your 'best behaviour' at all times. I have a sense of humour and if you do too we may laugh at things sometimes. We may swear. We may get things wrong. It's all fine, we're both human after all...
Finally - and this is important - it is NOT something that 'Anyone can do' so if you decide to book in with a counsellor please ask them what their qualifications are and whether they are a member of the BACP/NCPS or other organisation.
What counselling is:
Counselling is a thoughtful, two-way conversation with someone who is really listening, not only to what you say, but to the feelings, patterns and experiences underneath it. I’ll ask questions, share things I notice and sometimes gently challenge you to look at something differently. I won’t tell you what to do, but I will help you understand yourself more fully, explore your choices and work out what feels right for you.
Most importantly, it’s a warm, confidential space where you can speak honestly without worrying about being judged, upsetting someone or having to look after anybody else’s feelings. Sometimes, having that space can help everything begin to make a little more sense. It feels kind of like having someone to help you spread out all the pieces of a complicated jigsaw puzzle so that you can see what fits where and start to see a clearer, more coherent picture taking shape.
I offer counselling and relationship therapy in Corsham, Chippenham and online. You can find out more about me at www.rachaelblackmore.com