Counselling is a very broad category of therapeutic help that covers everything from marriage guidance through organisations like Relate, to advice on dealing with drug and alcohol addiction problems, support in coping with bereavement (Cruise) or specific illnesses, conditions or mental health problems (Mind), or very specific assistance in looking at life or relationship crises and problems originating from childhood. Counselling is a form of psychotherapy which can be used by anyone wishing to resolve a minor problem or deal with a life crisis. It is our natural way of coping with difficulties, and in many cases, just talking a problem over with someone else helps to ease the anxiety. Counselling is essentially a form of self-healing as it enables us to re-think the mechanisms that we have become used to using for dealing with problems, offering new ways to approach and manage our lives. Holistically, it is a way of maintaining a balance in the mental and emotional spheres of our lives. Everyone can benefit from being aware of and addressing any conflict areas in their life, in order to improve their environment, relationships etc. - we have all turned to a friend, family member or colleague for advice at some stage. However sometimes problems may need to be resolved with the help of a trained professional - a totally neutral third party. Counselling can also form an integral part of the healing process for those who have lost a loved one, or who are suffering from a terminal illness, helping them to come to terms with death and bereavement. Specialists are available for areas of specific need, e.g. Career Counselling or Marriage Counselling. Group Counselling is beneficial for people to share their feelings and receive advice from those in similar circumstances, as well as for victims & survivors of disasters.