What is General Counselling?

General Counselling is a broad, adaptable form of talk therapy designed to support individuals through a wide range of emotional, personal, or situational challenges. It doesn’t follow a single rigid method or theory — instead, it’s shaped around you: your needs, your pace, and your goals.

At its heart, General Counselling is about creating a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can be short-term or long-term, structured or open-ended, depending on what works best for you.

How General Counselling Works

Your counsellor will listen with empathy, offer gentle guidance, and support you in gaining clarity, self-understanding, and perspective. Sessions may focus on a specific issue — such as stress, a relationship difficulty, or work-related tension — or they may take a more exploratory path.

There’s no pressure to have all the answers. The process is about being with what’s real, talking things through, and finding your own way forward with professional support.

General Counselling may include elements from different therapeutic approaches (such as Person-Centred, Humanistic, or Integrative methods), depending on the counsellor’s background and what suits your needs.

What General Counselling Can Help With

Because it’s so flexible, General Counselling can support a wide variety of issues, including:

• Anxiety and low mood
• Stress, burnout, or overwhelm
• Grief and loss
• Relationship difficulties
• Life transitions or major decisions
• Identity questions or confusion
• Feeling “stuck” or unsure where to turn
• A general desire to talk and feel heard

Sometimes clients come to counselling without a specific “problem” — just a feeling that something isn’t right, or a sense of wanting to understand themselves better. That’s completely valid, and General Counselling is ideal in these situations.

What to Expect in a Session

Each session lasts around 50 minutes and takes place in a calm, confidential setting — either in-person or online. You can talk about whatever feels important to you, at your own pace.

The therapist won’t diagnose or analyse you, but instead will create a space of warmth, respect, and curiosity. The relationship is collaborative: your voice and experience are at the centre of the process.

Over time, many clients experience greater clarity, self-confidence, emotional balance, and relief.

General Counselling at LifeChange, Dublin 2

At LifeChange, our counsellors bring a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and experience to the work. Whether you’re facing a specific difficulty or just need someone to talk to, we provide a supportive, down-to-earth space where change and insight can unfold naturally.

Sessions are offered in-person at our therapy centre in Dublin 2 or online for those who prefer remote support.

Is General Counselling Right for Me?

If you’re unsure where to begin, or if you just need to talk things through with someone who will really listen, General Counselling can offer the support and perspective you may be looking for.