“Discomfort endlessly has pulled itself upon me, distracting, reacting. Against my will I stand beside my own reflection; it’s haunting how I can’t seem to find myself again; my walls are closing in.”
~ Chester Bennington, 1976 – 2017
The first time I heard “Crawling” by Linkin Park, I was about 12 years old. At that age, I didn’t have the language to explain what those lyrics really meant but I didn’t need to. I felt them.
I remember thinking: “Wow, he’s fed up; this guy has something to say, and I’m here for it.”
That moment wasn’t just about hearing a song. It was about realising that someone out there was struggling and that I wasn’t the only one.
Music as an Emotional Lifeline
As a teenager, I had my shelves filled with brilliant albums about love, storytelling, and adventure. But songs like “Crawling” struck me differently. They were raw. They were uncomfortable. And they felt honest.
There was an emotional release for the artist in that music and a strange kind of relief for me in hearing it. I didn’t need to explain myself. Chester’s words were doing it for me.
Back then, I often thought I was the only one who felt this way about myself and the world. And yet, here he was unapologetically putting those feelings into words. I wanted his voice on my iPod so I could listen on repeat.
I’m forever grateful for the old computer speakers, the Skullcandy earphones, and the blaring amplifiers at concerts. They all became confidants when there were no words to explain what I was feeling.
Music gave me a sense of being accompanied. And that matters because in the hardest times, company makes the weight easier to carry.
How Music Mirrors Counselling
Music can harness and convey feelings in a powerful way, even the uncomfortable ones. Even when lyrics weren’t directly relevant, I could feel what the music was communicating.
That’s not far from what happens in counselling.
In psychotherapy, the process allows clients to feel heard in ways they may have never experienced before. Counselling offers a space where all emotions are welcome the joyful, the painful, and the ones we’d rather hide.
When life feels overwhelming, being understood can make all the difference.
To give a quick overview, I recorded a short video that captures the heart of this blog:
Why Counselling Can Help
Burnout, stress, anxiety, or depression often leave people feeling trapped — like the walls are closing in. And while music can help us feel less alone, counselling provides another way forward:
A safe, non-judgemental space to express what’s really going on.
Someone actively listening and reflecting, without rushing to “fix” you.
Practical tools and strategies when you need them.
A companion to walk alongside you when life feels heavy.
In my work as an integrative counsellor at Summit Counselling and Psychotherapy Swords, I aim to create this experience for every client the same sense of being understood that I once found through music.
Take the First Step
Like music, counselling can help you feel connected, supported, and less alone in your struggles.
You don’t have to face everything in silence.
👉 Book your free consultation today Appointment – Summit Counselling
At Summit Counselling and Psychotherapy Swords, we’re here to help you find your way one conversation at a time