People come with a wide range of problems. There are times in many people's lives when they feel unable to cope. At some time most people will feel depressed and anxious, alone or challenged by life's circumstances. For some, memories about the past, painful events in the present or worries about the future may mean they cannot enjoy life or achieve their aims.

Sometimes the causes of our problems seem fairly clear and we know where to turn for assistance. At other times, our problems are difficult to understand and we find no answer from within ourselves or those close to us, in whom it may be hard to confide. Talking to a counsellor, who is impartial, can help people work through personal difficulties and find solutions to problems. Counsellors are trained to listen and to help others explore their feelings, thoughts and behaviours in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental way. Counselling does not claim to be the answer to all human difficulties, but it can help people find their own answers and offer support. In this way counselling assists us to move towards more effective ways of coping, enabling us to have a greater control of our own lives.

* feeling down and low, anxious, worried or over-stressed about something

* suffering from panic attacks, a traumatic experience or phobia

* going through a crisis, bereavement, redundancy, early retirement or illness

* having to face a separation or divorce and wanting some help

* suffering from the effects of physical, emotional or sexual abuse

* wanting someone to share your thoughts and feelings with, to help see a way through

* wanting to work on your personal growth

* wanting to talk about other issues in confidence.