Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sessions are available in the coronavirus pandemic?
Weekday and evening in-person counselling sessions are available with appropriate Covid-19 safety measures in place, and I also have some appointments on Saturday mornings. You can choose telephone or online sessions if you prefer, and various appointment times are available.
What can I talk about in counselling?
You can talk about anything at all!
How many sessions will I need?
There is no easy answer to this because everyone has different needs. I offer both short and longer term counselling and would suggest that if you would like to work together, we regularly talk about how you feel it is going and whether you are finding it helpful. If you have a specific timeframe in mind, I am also happy to work in a way that supports it. You can of course choose to end counselling at any time.
How long do sessions last?
Each counselling session is 50 minutes long and is usually at the same time each week, although the frequency of our sessions together is something we would mutually agree.
Is what I tell you confidential?
What you tell me is confidential although there are a couple of exceptions. If I am concerned about risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else I might need to break confidentiality and speak to another professional. Wherever possible, I would ask for your permission first. I am also obliged by law to report any disclosure of harm to a child, threat of terrorism or drug trafficking to the correct authorities.
In line with the requirements of my professional body the BACP, my work is regularly supervised by a qualified supervisor whose role is to ensure that I work ethically and professionally. I refer to my clients by first name only in supervision, and conversations between myself and my supervisor are confidential.
Will counselling help?
There are no guarantees but counselling can help you to gain a better understanding of what is going on for you, and find your own answers. If you don't feel counselling is helpful, it is your right to end our work at any time.
Glossary
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - UK professional body for members of the counselling professions
Integrative therapy - combines techniques, understandings and methods from different therapeutic approaches to best meet individual needs
Person-centred therapy - focuses on our capacity for growth by working with thoughts, feelings and experiences to support greater self-awareness, acceptance and the possibility of change, within an empathic, accepting and genuine therapeutic relationship
Attachment theory - focuses on early years attachments and their impact on our ability to make, sustain and manage relationships and connections in later life
Humanistic theories - are rooted in human potential and our capacity to grow and change in positive ways, focusing on development, greater self-awareness and individual strengths and values
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