"Counselling sessions really helped my anxiety"

“I accessed support through my workplace’s Employee Assistance Program, thanks to my manager, who brought it to my attention. I had been open and honest with him about some challenges I was facing at home, and he suggested looking into the free counselling available. I also spoke with a peer colleague, who helped me navigate the situation.

Initially, I sought help for anxiety, but it became apparent that deeper issues were at play, particularly regarding relationship struggles that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. I needed someone to help me process my thoughts and feelings, seeking support to understand what was happening in my mind.

Objective Perspective

The counselling sessions provided me with an objective perspective on my situation, helping me to understand my behaviours and whether I was doing something wrong without realising it. Over time, my initial concerns about feeling anxious transformed into a clearer understanding of what was truly happening. My counsellor supported me throughout this journey, offering guidance and reassurance. She helped me articulate behaviours from my wife I had become blind to over our years together, shedding light on aspects of our interactions that I hadn’t considered.

Without this access to this service via work, I likely would have done nothing and relied solely on family and friends for support. While I have a good personal support network, including friends, family, and work colleagues, the therapy highlighted how invaluable their support truly is. It reinforced my confidence in their insights, knowing my friends’ advice wasn’t biased because of our relationships.

Calm and Empathetic

My counselling sessions have been a real eye-opener. I feel fortunate to have had a calm and empathetic counsellor who could clearly distinguish right from wrong in my interactions. One of the key takeaways was the importance of listening to my gut instinct and intuition. I tend to be overly methodical and objective, which made me amass a lot of documentation regarding my wife’s behaviour.

I learned that we subconsciously pick up on patterns that influence our instincts, signaling when something feels off. This realisation has enabled me to trust myself more. My situation has evolved since my last session; my wife admitted to some wrongdoings. Despite agreeing to give things another chance, her behaviour quickly reverted to being cold. I suspect this shift occurred as the realities of our situation began to sink in, particularly with house valuations coming into play. It reassured me that I wasn’t in the wrong; understanding this dynamic is essential, especially when someone else’s actions are causing distress.

Everyone could benefit from counselling, even if they aren’t currently facing challenges. It provides an excellent opportunity to discuss life and gain insights into your own perceptions and perspectives, helping to establish whether they align with what is considered normal.”