FAQ

Counselling is a chance to talk through issues that are worrying and/or concerning you with a person trained in helping others. It helps you to explore the issues and find ways of managing the different areas of your life, find your own solutions or uncover ways to live with the past to lessen their impact on your day to day life . You remain in control of your decisions and will not be told what to do.

There is not a set time limit or number of sessions for counselling. Some people are looking for short term counselling of 6-12 weeks. Others are looking for something longer, around 24 weeks (6 months). Others wish to have open ended counselling. This will be discussed with you when you start counselling, and can be reviewed throughout time to ensure you are given the time you need to discuss the issues you wanted to bring.

There is no right or wrong way to choose a counsellor and taking the first step to make contact can feel scary. Most counsellors, including myself, other an initial assessment session in which we can meet and discuss the overview of why you are seeking counselling and it gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you want to ask. There is no obligation to continue counselling sessions after this, but the initial session will help you to assess whether you feel comfortable with the counsellor.

Counselling is a relationship, so the ending is discussed and worked towards together. As part of this, I will discuss with you how you want to mark the ending. For example, I have found clients often value looking back over our work together and making something that marks and reminds them of the journey they have been on. This can act as a reminder of what they have learnt about themselves once the counselling sessions have stopped.

All issues will be kept confidential except in exceptional circumstances. This may occur if I believe there is a threat to your safety or that of others, or if I am obliged to do so by law. In such circumstances, I may need to contact your GP or another agency but will always endeavour to discuss any concerns and actions with you where possible.

Each counselling session is 50 minutes long. Once it is agreed we will work together, we will set a day of the week and a time that your sessions will occur. If you are late for a session, the time will not be made up, but you will have the time remaining of your session.