Suzanne finding confidence and calm through counselling
When Suzanne first came to Arun Counselling Centre (ACC), she described herself as “emotionally wrecked.” Life felt unmanageable, and her self-esteem was at rock bottom. “I often had suicidal thoughts,” she recalls. “I didn’t know who I was and couldn’t navigate the world around me.”
Finding the right support
After attending sessions with MIND and receiving a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), Suzanne’s Community Psychiatric Nurse referred her to Arun Counselling Centre. The local connection and welcoming environment immediately made a difference.
“When I spoke to ACC, they explained that they had counsellors who specialised in EUPD,” Suzanne says. “I felt really comfortable and reassured. They offered me three years of counselling, which really worked for me.”
A different kind of counselling
Suzanne began working with her counsellor, Phil, and soon felt a sense of trust and understanding she hadn’t experienced before.
“Phil and I clicked straight away,” she says. “He explained how the mind works in relation to the body and taught me practical techniques to manage my emotions. It was totally different to any counselling I’d had before.”
Through patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt, her counsellor helped Suzanne rebuild her confidence and independence. “He stopped me from being dependent on him, it took time and lots of repetition, but it worked,” she explains.
Lasting change and ripple effect
Over time, the impact became clear not just to Suzanne but to her family and friends.
“They noticed a big difference in me, especially that I was more assertive and started putting myself first sometimes,” she shares. “I’ve learned techniques to stay calm and navigate life more easily. It’s even helped my family, because I’ve been able to teach them how to cope too.”
Suzanne’s transformation has extended far beyond her own wellbeing. The positive ripple effect has strengthened relationships and improved the emotional resilience of those closest to her.
Why services like ACC matter
When asked what she would say to others considering counselling, Suzanne doesn’t hesitate:
“I would highly recommend them. Give it a go, you won’t regret it. They’re kind, flexible, and affordable. It’s an amazing service.”
To funders and supporters, her message is equally powerful:
“Of all the services, this is the most worth investing in because of the tremendous effect it’s had on me and the people around me.”
Suzanne’s Words of Impact
“I’ve tried lots of counselling over the years, but I’ve never had anything like this. It’s not just changed my life, but the lives of my family and friends as well.”