What is counselling?

 

Counselling is a “talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues”.  NHS

I mainly work in the Humanistic Person-Centred way, which means you are at the forefront of what I am focused on. I will not direct you or dictate to you. Counselling is a tool that guides people in making their own decisions. Giving advice or telling clients what to do can actually hinder them. I accept what you bring and how you bring it, and we can explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour together.

Asking yourself “Do I need counselling or therapy?”

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps you want to make a change in your life and don’t quite know where to start.

Or perhaps you are coming with a more specific, identifiable concern, such as:

Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement or loss, Relationship breakdown, Workplace issues, Sexuality or identity issues, Low self-esteem or confidence, Trauma, …and many other things

What will counselling be like?

When you make contact with me regarding therapy, you will be offered a free telephone consultation, of around 5-10 minutes. In this initial call together, you are given some insight into my approach, the typical duration of sessions and fees. We can briefly discuss what has brought you to seek counselling, what kind of support you’re looking for, your expectations and goals. I will propose what therapy could look like if we decide to work together, including the possible length of counselling,  and the format that might best suit. I will explain my policies regarding confidentiality, appointment times, fees and cancellations.

I enjoy having this as a collaborative process, and I will endeavour to answer any of your questions, and get an understanding of how I can assist you.

This brief consultation provides the opportunity for both parties to decide if we feel we’re a good fit, and if we would like to work together. You then have some time to think if you would like to book some sessions.

If you would like to go ahead with counselling, we will discuss availability, preferred medium, scheduling preferences, we agree a regular time to hold sessions and when to start.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations of less than 48 hours or failure to attend generally incur a charge of the full session fee, except in emergencies. Your agreed session time is specifically reserved for you and is valuable. If you won’t make it, I can offer it for someone else in need.

Can I have more or less counselling sessions?

You are very welcome to request to have more than one session each week, and we can agree on a different price for multiple sessions. Less than weekly sessions are rare, but possible.

We can have regular reviews to explore how effective and helpful the process is and if you feel you want to have more than the initially agreed amount of sessions.  I am happy to keep seeing any client for as long as we feel the work is effective and leading in a helpful direction.

Confidentiality

All that is discussed in our sessions is confidential, unless I believe that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm. If I feel required to seek further advice about anything, I will endeavour to talk with you about it first.

I am a registered member of the professional body British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I adhere to their ethical framework.

I am subject to it’s professional conduct procedures, and I ensure I obtain regular clinical supervision to make certain I am working ethically.

Where can I get immediate or further help?

If you would like further support, please see resources page for links.

Resources Page

Ready to start processing your thoughts and experiences?

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