Question 1

How do I know I need Counselling/psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

It may be that you have a sense that something is not quite right for you and this has led you to search for a counsellor/therapist.   I am glad you are here, and I hope that by checking out my website you gain some insight whether counselling and/or therapy is right for you.   Your instinct is a great source of information.
 
Please contact me via email or phone if you have any questions and/or want to have a short talk about your difficulties.  If I am not able to support you at this current time, I will hopefully be able to offer alternative options.

Question 2

What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling tends to be short term and can support with difficulties you are experiencing in the here and now; stress in the workplace, moving home, break up of a relationship are just a few examples.
Psychotherapy is usually longer term and more in depth.   Psychotherapy is a tool to help you gain a sense of your way of being in the world and we can explore together and uncover patterns of adaptations that may now be preventing you from living a fulfilling life.

Question 3

What difficulties can counselling/psychotherapy help with?

Accepted Answer

People seek counselling and therapy for numerous reasons; ending of a relationship,  stress at work and/or home, overwhelmed with life and not sure why, overcoming an abusive relationship, feeling lost with themselves, depressed or anxious, loss and bereavement, childhood trauma,  challenges that parenting can bring, divorce, separation...
 
I work relationally which means I will support you to explore whatever your difficulties may be with in a safe, trusting, therapeutic relationship.    Take a look at the areas I have a particular interest in and don’t worry if I haven’t mentioned the area of your difficulty, contact me and let’s chat, see if I can offer you the support you need.

Question 4

How long should I expect to have to continue counselling?

Accepted Answer

That is a difficult question to answer without knowing you and your difficulty.  Sometimes people will find what they only need a few sessions.  What I can say is that the length of time tends to depend on what you are hoping to get from working together, the depth of understanding you wish to have and of course what the difficulty is that you are experiencing e.g. exam stress or childhood trauma.   I have some clients that continue to come once they have resolved their difficulties, perhaps once a month, as they view it as a way of looking after their wellbeing in a similar way to regularly going to the gym.

Question 5

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

This may be your first experience of counselling or therapy, you may feel a little anxious or nervous. You may feel reassured if we have spoken on the phone before you arrive for your first session. I remember going to therapy for the first time, how nervous I felt, not knowing what to expect.
 
Some people like to look around and familiarise themselves with the room, others like to talk straight away, whatever is your way of being, you can be assured of a warm welcome.     
During the first session, I will tell you a bit about myself and how I work. Trust your instinct, it is important that you feel comfortable being with me and my way of working.   
 
When you are ready, we will begin to explore what your expectations are, any relevant background information and I will ask some questions e.g. what your occupation is, are you in a relationship etc. This is to help me get an overview of your life and your difficulties that have brought you to counselling.

Question 6

How have you made your sessions Covid secure?

Accepted Answer

I am offering several different ways of working to ensure you feel safe. The restrictions are frequently changing depending on the ‘R’ rating. I monitor the situation and am working within guidelines set out by UKCP and my insurers. Please contact me directly for up to date ways or working which could include; online, telephone, outdoors and face 2 face if applicable

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