Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling & CBT for Guilt Hampshire

A steady space to unpick what you are carrying and find a fairer way to live with it — in Fareham or online.

When guilt will not let you go

Guilt can replay the same moment over and over, or sit quietly in the background, telling you that you should have done better. Sometimes it is about something you did. Often it is about things that were never really yours to carry.

A counsellor in Fareham, or online, can help you look at your guilt with fresh, kinder eyes. Together you can separate fair responsibility from unfair blame, make peace with the past, and stop punishing yourself.

Book a free, confidential call Or call free on 0800 970 4776
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Guilt is human. Carrying it forever does not have to be.

Not all guilt is the same

Some guilt helps us put things right. Some just weighs us down. It can help to know which is which.

Helpful guilt

A nudge to put things right

  • Fits what actually happened
  • Leads to an apology or a change
  • Eases once you have made amends
  • Helps you learn and grow
Heavy guilt

A weight that will not lift

  • Feels bigger than the situation
  • Is about things outside your control
  • Stays long after you have put things right
  • Turns into "I am a bad person"

Guilt says "I did something bad". Shame says "I am bad". Shame can be even harder to live with, and counselling can gently help with both.

Whose share is it?

Guilt often tells us something was 100% our fault. Pick a situation, then compare how guilt sees it with a fairer view.

How guilt sees it

    This is called a responsibility pie. It is one of many ways therapy helps you see your share more fairly, without letting yourself off where it matters.

    Guilt we often help with

    People come to us from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport carrying guilt about all kinds of things, including these.

    Parent guilt Carer guilt Guilt after a death Survivor's guilt After an affair or break-up Guilt from a strict upbringing Mistakes at work Guilt about saying no Guilt linked to OCD Guilt linked to low mood

    If you blame yourself for abuse or harm done to you, please know it was not your fault. Our abuse support page explains how we can help.

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    How therapy can help

    A therapist cannot change the past, but they can help you change your relationship with it.

    A client and counsellor smiling together

    Counselling

    Talk openly about what happened, without judgement, and work towards self-forgiveness.

    About counselling
     A man in a CBT session with his therapist

    CBT

    Practical tools, like the responsibility pie, to challenge unfair self-blame and "should" thinking.

    About CBT
     A woman smiling during a therapy session

    EMDR

    If guilt is tied to a traumatic memory, EMDR can help it feel less raw and less your fault.

    About EMDR
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    Mindfulness

    Learn to notice guilty thoughts without getting pulled under, and treat yourself with more kindness.

    About mindfulness
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    ★★★★★

    “Sophie was amazing. She dealt with me in a non-direct way and helped me so much. … Absolutely need to come here if you have issues of any sort.”

    Dan, Fareham
    No judgementWhatever you are carrying
    From £72Counselling. CBT from £90
    In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
    ConfidentialA private space to talk

    Questions about guilt and shame

    A woman smiling at home, feeling at peace
    What is the difference between guilt and shame?
    Guilt is about something you did: "I did something bad." Shame is about who you are: "I am bad." Guilt can prompt you to put things right, while shame tends to make you hide. Counselling helps with both.
    What if I really did do something wrong?
    Then therapy can help you take fair responsibility, think about making amends where possible, and learn from it, without punishing yourself forever. Everyone makes mistakes, and you can still move forward.
    Can counselling help with survivor's guilt?
    Yes. Survivor's guilt is a common response after a loss or a traumatic event. Counselling and trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR can help ease it. See our PTSD and bereavement pages.
    Why do I feel guilty all the time?
    Constant guilt is often learned, for example from a critical upbringing, and can be linked to anxiety, low mood or OCD. It is not a sign that you are a bad person. Therapy can help you understand and quieten it.
    How many sessions will I need?
    It depends on what you are carrying. Some people feel lighter within a few sessions, while deeper patterns can take longer. Your counsellor will review things with you as you go.
    Can I have sessions online?
    Yes. Sessions by secure video cost the same as in person, and some people find it easier to talk about guilt from home.
    How much does it cost?
    Counselling starts from £72 a session, and CBT from £90. Your first 15 minute call is free and confidential. See all our prices.
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    You can set it down

    A free, confidential 15 minute call. Share as much or as little as you like, and we will find the right counsellor for you.

    Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
    Free, confidential, no obligation