What is counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy provides you with a space where you can speak about your issues without the fear of judgement. I will support you while you work through your problems and help you to identify and harness your resilience during difficult times.
Counselling and psychotherapy also provides an opportunity for self-discovery and personal development.
Do I need counselling?
First of all, you don’t need to be in a crisis to come to counselling. We all have mental health and it is important that we look after it. Counselling and psychotherapy can be extremely helpful during difficult times but it is also an important tool for self-development in preparation for life’s inevitable challenges. Knowing ourselves deeply – our triggers and our coping mechanisms – enables us to better navigate times of hardship.
Clients presenting for counselling may come with very immediate issues or issues which can stem back as far as childhood. You can discuss your individual needs with me during your free 15 minute no-obligation consultation and together we can develop a therapy plan.
How long does counselling last?
Each session is typically around 50 minutes long.
The frequency of therapy can be discussed before we begin working together. Generally, clients will have weekly sessions to begin with, although this isn’t always the case. Fortnightly sessions are also common.
The duration of therapy can vary from a few weeks to a few months and sometimes longer depending on the depth and breadth of the client’s issues. Everyone is different and there is no right duration of therapy – there is only what is right for you.
Is it confidential?
Counselling provides a safe and confidential environment in which to express yourself. As a pre-accredited member of the IACP, I am bound by, and uphold, a strict code of ethics that safeguards the contents of your sessions.
There are a few exceptions to this which are mainly around child protection and any intended harm to yourself or others. All of this will be clearly detailed for you before commencing our work together so you can feel confident that you are fully informed of these limitations in advance.
You will have the opportunity to clarify anything you are unsure of with me so you feel completely safe before proceeding.
I’ve never been to a counsellor before. Is it normal to feel nervous?
It is perfectly normal to feel nervous the first time you decide to see a counsellor or when returning to counselling after a break. I am very understanding of how difficult it can be for you because I, too, have been in the client chair. I will do everything possible to put you at ease and make the process smooth and comfortable.
I invite you to ask as many questions as you need to during your free no-obligation 15 minute consultation. Or you can email me at any time and I will do my best to allay any concerns you may have.
