Getting Started with Turn2Me: Counselling, Support Groups, and How to Choose the Right Support

Accessing mental health support can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never used an online
service before. Turn2Me was created to make that first step easier, offering free,
professional, and confidential support from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re
considering counselling, joining an anonymous support group, or simply trying to understand
how the platform works, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

What to Expect in Your First Turn2Me Counselling Session

At your first counselling session there is often a mix of relief, nerves, and curiosity.
Turn2Me’s online setting makes it simple and discreet:
How the session starts
Make sure you are logged into your account. Your counsellor will open the session window
at the scheduled time and will begin by introducing themselves and explaining how the
session will flow. They’ll check in about what brought you here, what you’re hoping to work
on, and what feels most urgent for you right now.
What you talk about
There’s no “right” thing to say. You can talk about stress, anxiety, low mood, relationships,
work pressures, or simply feeling stuck. The counsellor will support you at your pace and
help you explore what’s going on beneath the surface.
The tone of the session
Most people describe sessions as warm, calm, and focused. You won’t be pushed to share
anything before you’re ready.
Ending the session
Before finishing, you and the counsellor usually outline next steps—whether that’s
scheduling another session, practising a coping tool, or exploring additional Turn2Me or
SOAL supports.

How Anonymous Support Groups Work—and Why They Help

Turn2Me’s support groups are facilitated by qualified mental health professionals and are
fully anonymous. This makes them a safe, nonjudgmental space for people experiencing
similar challenges.
How groups work
 You sign into your turn2me account- presently all turn2me groups are via instant
chat. We do off a bi-weekly video group via the SAOL platform.
 A facilitator guides the discussion around a theme (for example, anxiety, grief, stress,
or depression).
 You can communicate as much or as little as you want by typing.
 Members support each other through shared experiences and practical insights.
Why they help
 You realise you’re not alone. Many people find comfort in seeing others feel the same
way.
 You can learn coping strategies from both the facilitator and the group.

 It’s a gentle first step if counselling feels too personal or intense right now.
 You stay in control—you can leave at any time.

A Step by Step Guide to Getting Free Mental Health Support Online

Turn2Me is designed to reduce barriers, so access is simple:

1. Create an account on turn2me.ie using an email address.
2. Choose the support you want (counselling, support groups, or the free “Thought
   Catcher” tool).
3. Book a session or join a group at a time that suits you.
4. Attend from any device—laptop, phone, or tablet.
5. Continue at your own pace, whether that means weekly counselling, regular groups,
   or a mix of both.
   All services are free, confidential, and run by qualified professionals.

Counselling vs. Support Groups: Which Should You Choose?

Both options are valuable, choosing between them depends on what you need right now.
Choose Counselling if you want:
 A private space tailored to your personal experiences
 Onetoone guidance from a mental health professional
 Support with longterm patterns or deeper emotional difficulties
 A structured plan for coping and recovery
Counselling is helpful when you have something specific you want to work through or when
you’re feeling overwhelmed and need individual support.
Choose Support Groups if you want:
 A sense of community and shared experience
 To understand how others cope with similar struggles
 A gentle starting point before engaging in onetoone counselling
 Flexible, lowpressure support
Support groups work well for people feeling isolated, unsure, or seeking practical tips from
peers.
Many people use both
For example, you might attend counselling weekly while joining a support group for extra
encouragement and perspective.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re stepping into counselling for the first time, exploring anonymous support
groups, or trying to understand where to begin, Turn2Me offers a safe, accessible, and

professional pathway to better mental health. You can start small, try one service, or
combine several—whatever feels right for you. Turn2Me a lifeline online.