Counselling... How does it work?

On the surface, counselling appears to consist of a client talking with a counsellor about the clients problems and symptoms, which of course is valuable when taking place in a supportive, confidential environment.

​

However, the counselling process can facilitate other changes, that are often long lasting.

​

Advances in neuroscience now show us that our brains do not stop developing in childhood (as was once thought). Instead, we now know that some brain cells (neurons) continue to grow throughout our adult lives, making new neural connections and pathways. The brains ability to adapt, change and repair itself is known as neuroplasticity.

​

This is good news, as it means that by learning how to influence this process and practising different ways of thinking, creates and strengthens new pathways in the brain. This can support new, healthier ways of behaving, relating and responding to our environment, and reduce psychological distress.

​

As there is an established relationship between what we experience and how our brain functions, this means that how our brain functions determines how we respond to our environment because our thoughts determine how we feel, influencing our behaviour.

​

​