Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact you?
How do I know you're the right counsellor for me?
The first session (or two) are primarily for this purpose. You will be asked a series of questions designed to enable me to understand how you are feeling, what has prompted you to seek counselling and how counselling/psychotherapy may help you. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and decide whether you wish to continue with counselling. You may decide that I am not the right person for you, in which case we will make no further appointments. You may wish to think about it and contact me at a later date. Both are fine. It is also possible that I will decide I am not the most suitable counsellor for you at this point, in which case I will tell you and explain why, and try to advise you on an alternative route.
If I do decide to come for counselling with you, what happens then?
If you decide to continue working with me after the initial session(s)then we will spend time talking about what you would like to achieve through counselling. I will help you with this and we can set some goals. This will also help us decide how long we may work together. If you are still not sure after the initial session(s), then we may agree to a trial period during which time you can make your decision.
How long will I be in counselling?
We will decide this together. It might be that you have a very specific difficulty that we could focus on with short term work (6 - 12 sessions). This will be reviewed as we go along, and further sessions offered if appropriate. It may be that you want to explore your understanding of yourself in more depth, in which case we will work longer term. This may be 6 months or more. I will support you to make a decision that is right for you and your circumstances.
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
This is a long debated point; some would argue there is no difference. However, a simple and fairly widely accepted explanation is that counselling is generally shorter term than psychotherapy and usually more focussed on a specific goal. Psychotherapy involves a more general and in-depth understanding and is likely to be longer term. There can also be a difference in the type of training a practitioner undergoes; psychotherapy training generally being longer and requiring more clinical and personal therapy hours prior to qualifying.
How do I know a practitioner is suitably qualified and trained?
There are a range of qualifications out there, but as a guide, look for a counsellor or psychotherapist who is a registered member of a professional organisation such as UKCP or BACP. Also, find out whether the counsellor/psychotherapist has undergone their own personal therapy during training. This will indicate that they have worked on themselves in-depth prior to supporting others on their therapeutic journey.
Does coming for counselling/psychotherapy mean I have a mental illness?
No, there are many reasons why people begin counselling. Often it is to seek support with ordinary, everyday difficulties such as stress at work, relationship issues or generally feeling low or worried. Sometimes people come in crisis after a relationship break-up or bereavement. Sometimes clients do have longer-term mild psychiatric illness but this neither prevents them benefitting from counselling nor does it mean they are more 'eligible' for therapy in some way. Sometimes clients worry that their problem is too small or too big to bring to therapy. Be reasured that each client is different and just as you are individual, so is your counselling journey and the way I will work with you.
How will I know if it's working?
The simple answer is that you will start to feel better. This is not always immediate, sometimes you may even temporarily feel worse before you feel better, as you explore issues you may have kept buried for some time. However, this should be short lived and gradually you will start to think, feel and behave differently. Counselling and psychotherapy can have far reaching effects, improving your self-esteem, mood, confidence and relationships. If you do not wish to change in any way, then it is likely that counselling is not for you.
How will I know when it's time to end counselling?
It is likely that you will just know when the time is right for you to end. However, if you are unsure, you can discuss this with me and I will guide you.
How long are your sessions?
Sessions are for 50 minutes, with the exception of the initial appointment, which is a full hour. We will usually meet once a week at a regular time.
What does it cost?
My charges vary according to individual circumstances. We will discuss this at your initial appointment. However, as a general guide, I usually charge £55 for individuals. I charge the same fee, £55 for my initial appointment, but if you would like a chat on the phone before we meet, in order to get a feel for me or ask me any questions about what to expect, this is free.
How do I make an appointment?