Your Questions Answered
Q..Is Counselling for Me?A..If you are undecided about counselling and not sure if it is what you need then that is very understandable. If you come for an assessment you will be able to ask any questions you may have and we will both have the chance to see if we can work together. You will be under no obligation to continue beyond this session.
Q..How many sessions should I have?
A..There is no set answer to this question but issues such as insomnia, anxiety and phobias can sometimes be addressed within 6 sessions using CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). Other areas such as depression and bereavement will benefit from a deeper exploration and will probably take longer. For those clients wishing to look at repeating and unhelpful patterns of behaviour or issues from childhood, an open ended approach may be beneficial.
Q..What type of Counselling do you do?
A..There are many models of Counselling and some Counsellors use only one. My training integrated the three main approaches which are Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural (CBT). This means that I am able to work in different ways with different problems and am able to integrate the three main models to give an individual approach for each client.
Q..How much does it cost?
A..My fee per session is £40 with concessions for the low waged.
Q..Will I have to lie on a couch?
A.. No, a couch is used by Psycho-analysts and as a Counsellor I do not work in this way. We will sit in comfortable chairs in a quiet, private room.
Q..What risks do I face?
A.. I work to the BACP codes of ethics and practice, which are created specifically to protect clients. I will hold everything you say in confidence. I will not tell anyone unless I believe that you are likely to hurt yourself or somebody else. Even then, I will talk it over with you before acting.
Q..Will you sort out all my problems for me?
A..No! I will not tell you what to do and I will not act on your behalf. My aim is to respectfully promote your ability to take control of your own life to develop your self-confidence and encourage your own beliefs and values so you become more able to tackle problems yourself.
Q..What actually happens?
A..The room is quiet and private and we cannot be overheard. The first time we meet will be for 50 minutes. I will explain the boundaries within which I can work and answer any questions you have and then invite you to outline the difficulty that has brought you to seek help. You decide how much you want to say. This gives you the opportunity to find out whether or not you feel comfortable working with me and for me to decide whether I can offer the sort of help you need or suggest an alternative.
Q..How long does the whole process take?
Each session lasts for 50 minutes. In the first or second session, we will agree on what you are going to try to achieve.
A..Depending on the issues you bring you may need as little as six sessions, 20 sessions or a year. You decide when you want to stop.
