How is counselling different than talking to a friend?
Talking to a good friend about what is going on in your life can be really helpful. They already know you and can offer you support and some helpful insights. However, you may feel there are things you can’t talk about with your friend or you might be worried that your friendship might become on sided. A counsellor is a trained mental health professional who has undergone extensive training in order to be able to help you navigate difficult life circumstances. Counsellors are also trained to help you to assess how you are feeling and explore your options in an effective and efficient way.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes! Being able to trust your counsellor and know that they can keep your confidence is of utmost importance and everything you say in counselling is confidential. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as if you were at risk of significantly harming yourself or another person, would it ever be necessary for me to share any information but this would only be done after a discussion with you first.
How often do I need to come and for how long?
Having weekly sessions, certainly during the first 6 weeks, will help you make steady progress and for us to build a good working relationship. If for some reason this is not possible for you to commit to, we can discuss this and work out what would work best. I would suggest a minimum of 6 sessions in order for us to build a good working relationship and begin to see progress. We will review this on a regular basis. You are free to stop counselling at anytime.
Sessions typically last 50 minutes on a one to one basis.
What happens in a session?
We will discuss your reasons for coming to counselling and your expectations and what you would hope to achieve. You may be looking for support for what is happening in the present or we may look at how the past has influenced you and is still affecting you now. Together we can explore skills that can help change a particular behaviour or discuss strategies to improve your relationships. Whatever happens you will be listened to without judgement and your experience and choices will be respected.
What about online counselling?
Being able to have counselling online can be an easier option for many people, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when you may be nervous about meeting inside face to face but still want to access counselling support. All you need is a Skype or Zoom account, a good internet connection and a private place where you cannot be overhead for your privacy. I will provide you with all the information that you need if you haven’t used zoom or skype before.
How do I know which is the best counsellor for me?
Counsellors are all different and work in different ways. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and able to trust your counsellor. The counselling relationship is of utmost importance for counselling to be effective which is why I offer a non-obligation, discounted introductory session so you will have the opportunity to decide if you feel I am the right counsellor for you.
Does counselling work?
Yes! Counselling can be a really helpful way of helping you work through any issues or behaviours that you want to change and giving you the tools and support to do so. However in order for counselling to be effective, you need to be prepared to give the time and commitment that is necessary to make the lasting changes in your life that you want to see.
What now?
You can text or phone
07963 346216
or email me to arrange an initial conversation or a first appointment.