Frequently Asked Questions
How counselling can help?
Despite the name, the role of a counsellor isn’t about giving advice or telling you what to do. Instead counselling is about creating a safe reflective space where you can explore and understand the difficulties that have arisen in your life. The insight and awareness gained will in itself give you more choice in the way you live your life. It's a collaborative process and the more you engage with the process the more you are likely to get out of it. This has been my experience both as client and as counsellor.
Are my problems heavy enough?
There is no scale; you don't have to be in crisis to make use of therapy. The most important thing is the will and desire for change, for growth. For some they may want to learn how to relate better with others or remove barriers to business success. Simply wanting more fulfilment, improved physical and mental wellbeing, to make your life happier is reason enough for doing it.
Isn’t therapy the same as talking to a good friend the only difference is that you pay for it?
A good friend can listen with an interested ear, which is the first important step. However, often the underlying causes for difficulties are deeply hidden and a therapist is trained to manage the complexity of feelings and emotions as they emerge.
Moreover, we tend to hide the most from those closest to us because of feelings of shame and fear of judgement. In that regard a therapist will help you look at yourself objectively, something friends naturally find difficult to do because of emotional connection.
What do I need to know before starting therapy?
How do counsellors work?
There are many approaches available and it can be confusing to decide which one is most suitable for you. The different ways of working include looking at your thinking style or coping strategies when unhappy. However, time and again research has shown that the quality of the working relationship is more important than the therapeutic method used. Whatever the approach, they all aim to achieve the same goals of facilitating positive change.
Will what I say be confidential?
Yes, however due to the code of conduct I abide by there are a few limitations to confidentiality, all concerned with the client’s safety and that of others.
How long does a session last?
Sessions are 50 minutes long.
How many sessions will I need?
In my experience the length of time varies considerably depending on the nature of the problem and what you hope to get out of counselling. For some, a handful of sessions are sufficient, however a period of a year or more would be more beneficial to deal with deep rooted issues and for the sessions to have a transformative impact on your life.
Can I terminate the therapy at any point?
Yes, you can.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to email or call me.
Despite the name, the role of a counsellor isn’t about giving advice or telling you what to do. Instead counselling is about creating a safe reflective space where you can explore and understand the difficulties that have arisen in your life. The insight and awareness gained will in itself give you more choice in the way you live your life. It's a collaborative process and the more you engage with the process the more you are likely to get out of it. This has been my experience both as client and as counsellor.
Are my problems heavy enough?
There is no scale; you don't have to be in crisis to make use of therapy. The most important thing is the will and desire for change, for growth. For some they may want to learn how to relate better with others or remove barriers to business success. Simply wanting more fulfilment, improved physical and mental wellbeing, to make your life happier is reason enough for doing it.
Isn’t therapy the same as talking to a good friend the only difference is that you pay for it?
A good friend can listen with an interested ear, which is the first important step. However, often the underlying causes for difficulties are deeply hidden and a therapist is trained to manage the complexity of feelings and emotions as they emerge.
Moreover, we tend to hide the most from those closest to us because of feelings of shame and fear of judgement. In that regard a therapist will help you look at yourself objectively, something friends naturally find difficult to do because of emotional connection.
What do I need to know before starting therapy?
- It’s all about collaboration.
- The right fit matters.
- Recognising the process is important.
- Honesty and sharing are key.
- All emotions are welcome.
- “Fixing” is not the goal.
How do counsellors work?
There are many approaches available and it can be confusing to decide which one is most suitable for you. The different ways of working include looking at your thinking style or coping strategies when unhappy. However, time and again research has shown that the quality of the working relationship is more important than the therapeutic method used. Whatever the approach, they all aim to achieve the same goals of facilitating positive change.
Will what I say be confidential?
Yes, however due to the code of conduct I abide by there are a few limitations to confidentiality, all concerned with the client’s safety and that of others.
How long does a session last?
Sessions are 50 minutes long.
How many sessions will I need?
In my experience the length of time varies considerably depending on the nature of the problem and what you hope to get out of counselling. For some, a handful of sessions are sufficient, however a period of a year or more would be more beneficial to deal with deep rooted issues and for the sessions to have a transformative impact on your life.
Can I terminate the therapy at any point?
Yes, you can.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to email or call me.
