The reasons people seek counselling are numerous. They include all the things that rob us of the freedom to love and be loved and to live satisfying and fulfilling lives. Following are some of the reasons people seek help: wanting to be free of feeling anxious all the time; seeking a way to deal with losing a loved one and feeling that going on without him or her is impossible; needing to learn how to stand up for themselves and say what they really think or feel; looking for a way to save their marriage; dealing with a painful separation, a divorce, a difficult settlement or facing losing the children; confronting unresolved issues left over from childhood; suffering from a traumatic event or haunted by the consequences of sexual or physical abuse; realising that these experiences are somehow playing out in their adult life and that they need to deal with them; being concerned about eating or drinking too much or that recreational or prescription drugs are taking over; feeling isolated and resentful; experiencing recurrent dreams or unwanted thoughts; repeating behaviours that they can’t control; being a perfectionist and yet always feeling a failure; facing a difficult stage in life, the empty nest, losing their youth or a career, retiring or coping with a retired partner, facing a major operation or dealing with illness, having to care for a difficult loved one or having to accept being cared for. All of us need to learn to live well with ourselves and take responsibility for our actions and our real thoughts and feelings without turning to drugs or alcohol or food or relying on such diversions as porn, long hours at work, computer games, extreme religious views, gambling or even excessive fitness regimes. It is tragic that many Australian people think that the only solution to their pain is to end their lives. If you just need to talk to someone who will listen or if you are ready to discover a constructive path towards emotional health and wellbeing and constructive relationships, it is the right time for you to seek help. Contact me here.