My counsellor verbally abuses me and makes me feel worthless

DEAR DEIDRE: THE last thing I expected when I sought help from a counsellor was to be verbally abused.

I’m a 59-year-old single man and I’ve struggled with my mental health most of my life.

When I first started, this counsellor seemed lovely. I felt safe in our sessions and was starting to feel an improvement in my life.

But then one day it was as if his personality changed. At first, he began swearing. Now he has turned to calling me names and takes every chance to pick me apart.

He even tells me I’m to blame for everything bad that has happened to me.

I looked up his qualifications and he doesn’t have an official accreditation but has glowing reviews on his website.

Every session, I leave feeling so low.

DEIDRE SAYS: His behaviour is unacceptable and unprofessional.

Trained counsellors would never behave like this.

Sadly there are those who set themselves up as therapists, but who don’t have the right training.

It would be best if you found a different counsellor. And make sure they have the correct qualifications.

Go through bacp.co.uk to find an accredited counsellor.