Finding Relief in Being Heard: The Healing Space of Counselling

It is many years since I attended my first counselling session, yet I still remember clearly how nervous I felt walking through the door.

At just 19, I was grieving intensely following the sudden death of my sister, Madeleine.

I had no idea what to expect and I was afraid of being overwhelmed by emotion.

Yet within minutes of that first session, I felt something shift. I began to relax, to breathe more easily, and to open up.

That experience changed my life (and my future career path).

It taught me how deeply healing it can be to be listened to with care and without judgement.

I remember leaving sessions feeling relieved and lighter, as though some of the weight I was carrying had been gently set down.

Over the years, I have returned to counselling at different points in my life — during times of change, loss, and uncertainty.

Each time, I noticed the same effect: greater clarity, emotional release, and a renewed sense of steadiness.

Counselling offered me not just support, but a way to better understand myself and respond more kindly to my own experiences.

For many people, the hardest step is making that first contact with a counsellor.

It can feel daunting, particularly if you are not used to talking about your feelings or asking for help.

People often worry about saying the “wrong” thing, becoming emotional, or not knowing where to start.

The reality is that there is no right or wrong way to do counselling!

Therapists are used to tears, silences, and uncertainty, especially in early sessions.

You are simply invited to talk about what has been troubling you, at your own pace, with the counsellor gently guiding the process.

At its core, counselling provides a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

One of its key benefits is increased self-awareness — understanding why you think, feel, or react in certain ways.

Rather than offering advice, a counsellor supports you by reflecting back what they hear, offering insight, and gently challenging beliefs that may no longer serve you.

This process can help you regain a sense of control, reduce emotional overwhelm, and develop healthier ways of coping.

In an initial session, a counsellor may ask some general questions to gain a fuller picture of your life and what has brought you to counselling. You may be asked how long you have been feeling this way, what is currently happening in your life, and what supports you have around you.

While counsellors do not diagnose, they are trained to listen carefully and to support emotional wellbeing in a respectful, collaborative way.

Many of us carry thoughts and feelings that we never voice — even to those closest to us. Counselling offers a place where these can be spoken aloud, often bringing relief simply through expression.

When difficult or frightening thoughts are brought into the open, they often lose some of their power, allowing us to move forward with greater ease. For this reason, it is important to seek an accredited counsellor or psychotherapist, ensuring you are supported by someone who is trained and experienced (see www.iacp.ie).

Counselling is not about being “broken” or needing to be fixed. It is about being human — and allowing yourself the space to be heard, understood, and supported.

To make an appointment with Nicola, click here

psychotherapist limerick, psychotherapist newcastlewest, psychotherapist adare, IACP psychotherapist limerick, counsellor limerick, counsellor newcastlewest, counsellor adare, counselling limerick, counselling adare, counselling newcastlewest, accredited counsellor limerick, accredited psychotherapist limerick