What is counselling?
As a counsellor I offer a safe space for you to explore the issues which are important to you.
Sometimes people ask what makes counselling different from talking to a supportive friend or relative. I'll listen to your story, with an open mind, help you to understand yourself better and make positive changes in your life. I won't give you advice or solve your problems for you. Counselling is a contracted meeting between a client and a counsellor. The meeting happens at a set time, in an agreed place, for the sole benefit of the client.
We will have a number of planned, regular sessions lasting for 50 minutes. How often we meet, and how many sessions you have, will depend on your individual circumstances.
What you talk about will vary depending on the problem you want help with. It could include:
- your relationships
- your childhood
- your emotions
- your thoughts
- your behaviour
- situations or events you find difficult
Will counselling work for you?
That is a hard question to answer and counselling does not offer any guarantees. Counselling is most productive when clients are willing to engage with the process and when there is a good connection between client and counsellor. Finding the right counsellor for you is crucial.
What happens in the first session?
During the first session we will spend some time getting to know one another. You will have the opportunity to tell me about the issues that are troubling you. I shall explain how I work and what I can offer. Together we can decide together whether I am the best person to help you.
We will talk about our contract for the work which will cover things like
- number and frequency of sessions you will have and how any fees will be paid
- what happens if a session is missed
- confidentiality
- how information is stored
You can ask questions about the service I am providing at any time during the process.