Counselling training prepares those who qualify to address symptoms or problem solving issues that clients are facing. They can deliver short term, solution focussed approaches or help clarify patterns of behaviour that repeat in relationships which cause distress. Typically they will use models of intervention from Gerard Egan, Cognitive Behavioural, Ellis (Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy/ REBT) along with some Gestalt or Transactional Analysis (TA) techniques. Throughout they will be expected to hold core conditions which were first defined by Carl Rogers.

Counsellors often work well within the NHS and GP Surgeries as they can provide psychological relief, symptom alleviation and containment of anxiety for many people in short term, resource limited and time limited ways. It is not the qualification that matters as much as their ability to convincingly explain to you how they might work when you first embark on sessions. A good counsellor is never afraid to admit their limitations or explain which models they use or how they work. It is your right to ask them what to expect from sessions before committing to further the relationship.