Private Counselling

[daftcow]

I am lucky enough to be recieving counselling from a private company, paid for by my employers.  I have hit a few difficult periods but overall, I feel it is helping.  It hasnt helped me feel any happier but it is helping me cope.  The sessions are due to end soon, though and I worry what's going to happen when they do.  Will I be able to cope without them or will I end up back where I started, crying in my manager's office?

[SWM]

hi,

i've encountered this problem before, it is quite common that an employer wil pay for counselling but they will only pay for six sessions (generally). this is a supportive gesture from the employer but it really is only a gesture if it is not backed up with a real commitment to want to help the employee.

six sessions is generally the point where the real therapeutic work begins, ending a session at this point would be wastful of the six sessions upto this point. forgive the metaphor, but it would be like stopping sex just before orgasm. what was the point of starting.

would you be able to approach your employer, to discuss the possibiliity of continuing with your counsellor?
also speak to your counsellor about your concerns, i imagine this may lead to a quickening oif the therapeutic process.

[Simplyme]

I think that with a lot of therapy or counseling that the main intention is giving you the means to cope and it sounds like you have found those means. I would not stress over it as it sounds like the biggest issue is being able to talk about it or about anything to release that built up anxiety. You have many outlets you can utilize but I find online sites such as this where you are a screen name and not a face can make it easier to completely open up and honestly get things out that need to be said out loud it also gives you the opportunity to go back and look at you issues and see if you can find your own fixes. Until then if you need further follow up discuss it with your counselor if work will not pay then maybe see if you can afford to come in once a month as a venting session or as a "touch-up".

[daftcow]

Thank you to both of you. I am lucky that my employers, especially my direct manager, to whom I am very close as I have worked for him for around 6 years, are really supportive. Also my colleague and friend, Marc, who is recieving counselling too, is a great support and I support him too. These counselling sessions can continue as long as I need them and I can always go back to them whenever I need.

Thank you for your replies, they are a real help.