What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy, a place for you to discuss what is on your mind. This is with a trained professional who can provide you with a confidential space. Counsellors do not provide answers and solutions, but will be there to support and encourage you whilst you increase your understanding of yourself, and bring about positive changes within your life.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Both are talking therapies, offering what I have outlined above. However, counselling can be short-term, focusing on more present issues. Whereas psychotherapy can be more open-ended, focusing on chronic issues; the impact of past events and relationships, identifying connections and patterns, potentially linked to present problems.
How many sessions will I need?
This is your personal choice. You may initially start with 6, but then decide you would like to continue more long-term. Fortunately within my private practice I can offer both short and long-term.
What happens during the initial consultation?
During the 30-minute consultation we will briefly discuss what has brought you to therapy, your goals, and a little about your background. I can answer any questions you may have, and explain the process in more depth. I also hope for you to get a sense of me; not one size fits all, and it may be that you feel you would like to work with someone different.
- This is a free, no obligation consultation.
What will future sessions be like?
Should you decide to go ahead, our future sessions will be 50-minutes, we will agree on a day and time, which we consistently adhere to, as part of the commitment to therapy. We can then discuss your story in more detail, whilst holding your goals in mind.
What is the policy in the event a session is cancelled or missed?
If 48 hours’ notice is provided there is no fee to pay. However, the full fee is chargeable for less than 48 hours’ notice, or a missed session.
Are the sessions private?
Confidentiality will be explained within your initial consultation. As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I offer confidential sessions, which are in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical Framework. I have included a link below should you be interested in any specifics regarding how I practice ethically within my field.
How are you working with the impact of Covid-19?
I am able to offer face-to-face meetings which are in line with government guidelines, and if we are both free of symptoms. Should you test positive for Covid-19 but are feeling well enough for your session, we can still conduct this via telephone or Zoom, if needed.