WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
You may be wondering what 'counselling' 'therapy' or 'psychotherapy' is all about. There are varying different types of psychotherapy and talking therapies available and some of those you may of heard of or be familiar with already. Counselling/therapy/psychotherapy is a private and confidential way of dealing with problems, big or small, that may be affecting your life, past and/or present. Problems may be causing you to experience a feeling of stuckness, worry, anxiety, over-thinking or sleeplessness as well as other disruptive effects in your everyday life. It may be making you feel distracted or different to your usual self in some way, disconnected, stuck or lost in some way. You may have noticed patterns or reoccurrences of similar complications happening in your life. Counselling is a great way to discover a new perspective, understand yourself better or to help you to make any necessary change that you are struggling to make.
Encompassing just that, counselling can provide ways to explore and be supported through that exploration and experience positive changes that may come from our work together. I offer counselling in a safe and confidential environment without judgement and I am committed and dedicated to doing the very best for my clients. Some parts of your journey may be challenging and uncomfortable but rest assured you will be treated with a high level of empathy, kindness and warmth.
My core belief is that connection is the key to a successful counselling journey and I believe we are all unique. In recognising this, I tailor the way I work to find the most effective ways to suit your individuality. Overall, I offer Person-Centred Counselling with humanistic values which concentrates on your needs throughout. There are varying ways we may work together and along the way you may be invited to join me in an activity or learn something new, there is never any obligation to do so and all sessions are client-led.
Availability:
Due to my previous experience working in emergency and urgent care I am able to fully appreciate and understand the need for flexibility and may be able to offer sessions during and outside normal working hours, including unsocial hours. Please get in touch for the most current and up to date availability.
Initial callback:
Once you have made contact you will be offered an initial call back to discuss your needs and establish your suitability for counselling. In rare circumstances a different service is required and if this is the case you will be offered all the information you need to get the right assistance.
What to expect at your first session:
Your very first session will mainly consist of introductions, assessment and contracting. We will explore and establish your understanding of this type of counselling and your individual counselling needs, we will go through necessary paperwork and ensure you are provided with all the relevant information needed, have any questions that you may have answered and make an informed choice about embarking on the journey ahead. Once these areas have been addressed we may also have time to start work together.
How many sessions will you have:
This will depend on the issue that is being worked on and your needs, you may be asked for a minimum committment to the process depending on the presenting complications, usually six or eight sessions as a minimum and there is no limit to the amount of sessions you choose to have or how long you attend. Following our initial work carried out, and where our therapuetic relationship is established and stable, you are always welcomed back into sessions if further sessions are required in the future, for any reason, with more flexibility around frequency of attendance to suit your needs at that time.
Reviews:
There are different types of reviews to look at the work undertaken.
For Adults: Reviews are generally carried out over time and throughout sessions, unless a specific session designated for review is requested.
For Children: Where agreed, an arranged review meeting takes place following session six or eight for the parent/carers to attend. A review can result in cessation, a pause or continuation of therapy, however, a review also provides a great opportunity to include information around engagement to date, changes that have occurred away from sessions, other resources, signposting or recommendations that benefit the client and/or parent carers in some way within home or education settings. There is never any obligation to follow guidance provided in a review and most importantly the confidentiality of the client remains in place throughout the process to ensure the protection of the therapeutic relationship and any future work with the client. This process is beneficial in parent/carers being part of the therapeutic process and to work together in the emotional wellbeing needs of your child.
RESOURCES AND OTHER HELP:
If you are struggling with a Mental Health Crisis please contact your GP or call 111 for assistance. In an emergency always call 999.