What do clients typically start by saying..?

There is no such thing as a typical client - everyone is  unique. 

However, in an effort to make the thought of counselling less daunting, here are some of the things I have heard. 

The list is not exhaustive and I imagine you will start with something thats uniquely happened to you...

• I should be able to cope.
• I just feel overwhelmed - there's so many demands on me.
• I just want to feel normal.
• Apparently, I’m angry all the time.
• I’ll get thrown out of the house if I don’t speak to someone.
• I feel numb / anxious / depressed / stressed / lonely / isolated / a failure / self-destructive.
• I want to cry but I can’t.
• My coping strategies don’t work anymore (alcohol, drugs, sex, money, gambling, work, exercise etc).
• I struggle to communicate beyond grunts and banter.
• My past is catching up with me.
• Something happened and I can’t deal with it.
• I want to talk with someone about more than banter, work, sport, polite conversation.
• I feel misunderstood.
• I’ve lost connection with my partner.
• I try to tick all the boxes but there’s always a complaint.
• I’m losing control of myself.
• I feel lonely in the crowd.
• I’ve tried everything in my toolbox to fix myself and nothing works anymore - that’s really tough because I’m usually the one offering advice.
• Counselling is way beyond my comfort zone - surely its not for me….