Counselling
Hi.
I had a 'phase' i like to call it, a few years ago and i was offered counselling with work. But the first time i met this counsellor it was great... 2nd time she introduced herself again and admitted half way through that she had just remembered who i was. This has put me off going again... I need a counsellor that will help, have a 2 way convo and not just sit there and listen. Any good experiences with counselling?
It's disappointing that you had such a bad experience with that counsellor. There are good and bad counsellors, I imagine, just like everything else. And even good counsellors have bad days, I imagine. It is often said that some trial and error is needed to find a counsellor who is good for you, and that makes sense to me. I understand how it would have put you off going again, but perhaps your asking the question here in this forum shows that the possibility of trying again is in your thoughts. If you do try another counsellor, I hope you have better luck 
@Amie7
@RarelyCharlie
Thank you. Im going to give it another go, with a different counsellor.
@Amie7
Maybe by now you've followed up on this and have had a good counselling experience of your own, but I thought I'd share mine anway, in case it's helpful for you or anyone else reading.
I've seen a range of professionals (GPs, counsellors, psychologists, a clincical psychologist, and a psychiatrist). In my experience, finding the one professional who really helped made it absolutely worth seeing all the others who only helped a little, or didn't help at all. Working with that professional changed my life.
Please don't let one ineffective counsellor put you off the profession. There are some amazing mental health practioners out there and if you're fortunate enough to be able to keep looking until you find the right one, it might help a great deal.
As @RarelyCharlie said, there are good and bad fits, and even good counsellors have bad days. You know yourself best and what might work for you, but for me, if we hadn't 'clicked' within a few sessions, I moved on. Finding the right professional can take a lot of time and energy, but it really can be worth it!
@Clouder
Thank you I have my first session with a CBT Psychiatrist tomorrow.. I am looking forward but I havent felt anxious/low at all last week but I have today, so im still going to go.
I'll post on the thread tomorrow about how it went incase anyone would be interested.
@Amie7
Thanks for the update, it's nice to know how people are doing 
It sounds like you've got someone highly qualified, so I really hope it goes well for you. Best of luck!
So the first CBT session today! Felt comfortable with the counsellor... and he reassured me quite well that he was there to help and that CBT as a good success rate. Said that he had bad anxiety 15years ago and used CBT 😊
His approach (the CBT approach) is a bit different to whar ive bern doing to try and cope with my anxiety! As ive bern trying to do things to relax me or avoid anything that would make me anxious.. which r called safety behaviours. He's going to help me to stop using my safety behaviours, and tackle my anxiety 😊
@Amie7
Wow, it sounds like you're off to a great start! Thank you for sharing this. I think a lot of people are apprehensive about getting professional help, so your story might encourage others to give it a go. In my experience, tackling anxiety head on (one small step at a time) is definitely the way to go. There are sure to be some challenges ahead, but this sounds like a great opportunity 
Hope you're feeling proud of yourself for taking this step!
