Counselling and Psychotherapy FAQ's
What happens in a Counselling session?
Therapy offers a set time for you to explore whatever your concerns are which vary from person to person and from goal to goal. You are free to discuss and explore what you like, from everyday events to issues from the past, dilemmas, relationships, feelings,thoughts,memories and dreams within a safe and non judgmental environment.
How do you work?
My training has meant that I have studied a number of theoretical approaches over the years and have been trained as an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor, meaning that as we are all so unique, I am able to adapt my vast knowledge and work with different people supported by different techniques.
How do I start with counselling?
A first consultation allows for us to introduce ourselves and will last for up to 50 minutes. Within this time we will explore what has brought you to counselling, your past life experiences and also your hopes for the future regarding this counselling. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy. It is also the perfect opportunity to help you decide if I am the right person to help you at this stage in your life. I would hope we could work together but if for any reason you feel I am not the right person for you, you are not obliged to return. If happy we will look to work together at a regular mutually convenient time and day,where each session will last for 50 mins.
How long should I have therapy for?
I work with clients within short, medium and long term time scales. Counselling can last for weeks, months and even years and you are not limited in the number of sessions you can have. The number of sessions really depends on you.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, the contents of our sessions are confidential and are in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical Framework. Only in extreme cases, such as risk to human life or a child's safety or disclosure of acts of terrorism (1989) would any contact be made with third parties.
Do you work under any professional body?
Yes, I am a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and I am bound by the BACP's ethical framework for good practice.
What types of issues do you work with?
I have worked with many individuals and each and every one of them has held their own unique story, however, as a part of our shared humanity many of those stories have included some similarities which are termed as issues. Some of the issues that i have worked with alongside my clients in the therapy room have been their difficulties in romantic, family,or work related relationships, student life,bereavement, health issues, stress, separation and divorce, anger issues, difficulties around sexuality, low self esteem, anxiety, depression, self harm, panic attacks and eating disorders. I have worked along side people coming to terms with difficulties from their childhoods, people struggling with their identity, pregnancy, miscarriage, and abortion as well as addictions and cultural difficulties to name but a few.
How much does a session cost?
Initial consultation appointment which lasts for up to 50 minutes is £60
Ongoing weekly 50 minute sessions £60