ABSTRACT
Counsellors advertise that they can help to resolve a range of difficulties; typically anxiety and stress, depression, work issues, loss of confidence, life changes, relationships and sexual problems, as well as more vaguely defined complexes such as “lack of purpose” or “deprivation”. Some aspects of life people recognize that others seem able to manage with little difficulty become a major problem, putting them in a state of recurring anger, anxiety, or feelings of guilt. Situations that should be little more than mildly annoying may evoke gnawing resentment, or minor setbacks lead to deep depression. The worst part of these feelings is the unproductive behaviour they induce. To avoid risking disapproval people may go to extravagant lengths to please. They may become obsessive about their health or impose unreasonable responsibilities on others to maintain their self-esteem. Counselling does not offer a cure like a medicine for an illness.
