Looking after yourself through the winter months

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Shorter days, colder weather and the pressure of the festive season can affect how we feel. If your mood dips at this time of year, you are far from alone.

Get outside in daylight

Even a short walk at lunchtime helps. Natural light supports sleep and mood, and fresh air can ease stress.

Keep a routine

Regular sleep, meals and movement give your days a steady shape. Small habits matter most when motivation is low.

Stay connected

It is tempting to withdraw when you feel low. A short call or a cup of tea with someone you trust can make a real difference.

Be kind to yourself

The festive season can bring up grief, family tension or loneliness. You do not have to feel cheerful on demand. Give yourself permission to say no and to rest.

Know when to ask for support

If low mood or anxiety lasts for more than a couple of weeks or begins to affect daily life, talking to a counsellor can help. Please get in touch on 01992 501850 or at enquiries@counsellinghertford.co.uk.

How to choose the right counsellor

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With so many counsellors and therapists to choose from, finding the right person can feel overwhelming. A few simple questions can help you decide.

Check their training and registration

Look for a counsellor who is a registered member of a professional body such as the BACP or UKCP. This means they have met recognised standards of training and follow a code of ethics. All of our counsellors are members of one of these organisations.

Think about what you need help with

Some counsellors have extra training in particular areas, such as anxiety, bereavement, relationships or trauma. If you know what you want to work on, look for someone with experience in that area.

Understand their approach

Different therapies suit different people. Some are structured and focus on the present, such as CBT. Others explore the past and your relationships in more depth. Our page on types of therapy explains the main approaches.

Trust your instincts

The most important thing is that you feel heard, respected and comfortable. It is fine to try one session and decide it is not quite right. A good counsellor will welcome that.

Our team page introduces each of our counsellors. If you are not sure who to choose, please contact us and we will be happy to help you find a good match.

What to expect at your first counselling session

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Deciding to see a counsellor is a big step. It is completely normal to feel nervous beforehand. Knowing what happens in a first session can make it feel much easier.

A chance to talk and to ask questions

Your first session is a conversation. Your counsellor will ask what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to get from it. There is no right or wrong way to begin. You can start wherever feels comfortable, and you are welcome to ask questions about how the sessions work.

Confidentiality

Your counsellor will explain how your information is kept private and the few situations where confidentiality has limits. Understanding this early helps many people feel safe enough to open up.

Practical matters

Sessions usually last 50 minutes. You can meet in our safe, welcoming space in Hertford or online. Your counsellor will talk through fees, how often to meet and how to rearrange an appointment if you need to.

Seeing how it feels

The first session is also a chance for you to decide whether the counsellor feels like the right fit. Research shows the relationship between client and counsellor is one of the biggest factors in whether counselling helps. There is no pressure to commit to anything on the day.

If you would like to take the first step, please get in touch on 01992 501850 or at enquiries@counsellinghertford.co.uk.