Connection is Therapeutic

Challenging life experiences often have the effect of having us feel isolated from others. Whether the experience is based on external events (relationship difficulties, loss, life stress), or internal struggles (anxious thoughts, sad memories, self doubt), it can often feel like a journey for one.

Sometimes we feel that others can’t understand what we are dealing with, or have enough going on in their own lives, and so we keep it to ourselves. Sometimes we reach out to those around us and find that the support doesn’t quite match what we needed. Often we don’t even really know what we need, and when those close to us attempt to offer ideas and suggestions, it can leave everyone feeling a bit lost. And there are times in life where there is a genuine sense that there is no one around in our lives for support at all.

What can counselling help with? Sure, counsellors can certainly accompany clients through problem solving, overcoming challenges, resolving past trauma, growing self confidence and much, much more. Yes, they come with knowledge of helpful, research-evidenced modalities and approaches.

But let’s not underestimate the simple power of a positive, genuine, caring connection with another person, for around an hour a week, where the counsellor is genuinely interested in what you have to say, who you are as a person, what you are going through, what you are heading towards and what makes up the very valued and valuable person that you are.

I have often felt the relief of sharing my thoughts with a counsellor and knowing I’m now not alone in those thoughts. Someone else knows, and they care very much. Someone else knows what I’m carrying and they are holding hope for me that I will get through this. They will hold this in their hands safely and with reverence. They are invested in my improved experience of life. They see the best in me and know the challenges I face. They will collaborate with me and empathise with me.

Connection can be the beginning of feeling better.