PJ Toal - North East Counselling 28 Corn Market, Newry BT35 8BG

"I always thought I was invincible. I didn't need help from anyone. In 2019 I learned the hard way that everyone has their limit and ended up in a psychiatric hospital after what was described as a 'manic episode'. Three months later and my anxiety and depression is so bad that each day is a struggle. The hardest thing is the loss of hope. Nothing has any meaning. Nothing interests me. It took a lot of coaxing for me to consider counselling but since the various medications I was prescribed were not helping I though what have I got to lose? Anxiety makes you avoid anything that may trigger a panic attack so the first visit to P.J was not easy. If like me you are thinking how can talking to a stranger help? I have never needed help before, so why now? Talking to P.J helped me understand that lots of people struggle with their mental health. Through our weekly sessions I learned an enormous amount about mental health and became aware of how I can control my reactions to the things going on around me. Bit by bit with P.J's help, I started to put my life back together. I was in a dark place and had lost hope. Sharing everything with P.J helped me see my way out. Eventually with his help I got there. Eddie"

"I highly recommend anyone thinking about going for counselling to go with North east counselling. As I recieved a lot of help to process my internal thoughts and feelings with PJ. In using various techniques he tailored each session to suit my needs. It sometimes wasn't easy but dealing with my mental health i knew it would take time to learn new coping mechanisms. In saying that I honestly felt so much better after each session. It took a while to decide where to go and I'm so glad I chose to go with North East Counselling. The setting is so welcoming and it's a credit to Pj that I stayed with it and I've a learnt a lot of tools to set me up to be independent when times are hard. I use these techniques to to help myself when needed. I am confident that if I feel I needed a refresh that I can go back to PJ, for now I'm very happy that I can do it on my own. Go for it, you've nothing to loose and everything to gain."

"PJ has led me towards identifying and understanding the core of my issues and is not afraid to challenge ways of thinking. I was very anxious about going but from my first session he instantly made me feel at ease and comfortable sharing my personal thoughts. I can’t recommend him enough."