Counselling

What Can I Expect In A Counselling Session With You?

I know choosing the right counsellor can be a difficult decision so hopefully by explaining how I work will help you decide if I am the right person for you. As with any counsellor, all sessions are completely confidential and non-judgemental and the aim is to give you a much deeper understanding of your own issues and concerns to help you feel more empowered. My aim is to help you to know, accept and love yourself - which is the greatest gift of all.

You can find more about me here to read more about my story and how I used counselling at a crucial time in my life to help me, which is one of the reasons I am so passionate about it! An area close to my heart is helping people with deep childhood hurts, but I am equally passionate about helping whoever walks through my door. If I feel I’m not experienced in your issue and am the right therapist for you I will happily offer you a referral to one of my trusted colleagues. All sessions take place in The Therapy Cabin, a beautiful, private wood cabin in my private garden. Its healing, calm, relaxed atmosphere creates the perfect sanctuary.

The way I work is with a very person-centred, humanistic approach. This means I focus on the way in which individuals consciously perceive themselves rather than how a counsellor might interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas. I believe only you, the client, knows best how you feel with regard to what is causing you difficulties. In other words, I offer therapy that is focused on the clients’ experience of themselves, as opposed to the counsellor being an expert and telling them what to do. My approach is with integrity and I work with you in confidence and at a pace that is right for you.

My training is integrative, in that I have many skills in my therapist tool kit to help you. I also draw upon a psychodynamic approach, wherein I look at the history and origins of the issues troubling you. The sessions are very much tailored to your needs and the issues you wish to work on, working at your pace.

Will You Give Me Advice?

I am not here to give you advice, tell you what to do or judge you in any way. The aim of counselling is to help you come to your own decision(s). The truth of the matter is, only you know how you feel in any given situation. I can help you understand the underlying nature of your emotional difficulties, which can relieve suffering and open up the possibility for change. Listening with compassion, and working together to empower you to find the answers is far more effective, and if necessary, together we can form a plan of action.

What If My Problem Is Deeply Personal?

Firstly, be reassured that I am highly skilled as a counsellor and I am trained to listen with compassion and professionalism regardless of your issue. There are many different reasons why people choose counselling and all of them are valid. In fact, the reason a lot of people come to counselling is because their problem is so deeply personal that they haven't been able to talk about it with anyone before. Just to be in a safe, non-judgemental space and be able to talk about your particular problem or situation can be hugely liberating. This is the first step to creating a brand new future.

Can I Have Counselling Even Though I’m Not Really Ill?

The good news is, you do not have to be in crisis or on the verge of one before choosing to see a counsellor! It might be you are struggling to overcome a particular issue in your life and think counselling might help. If you are at all unsure, then the best thing to do is just get in touch for your free, no-obligation consultation to see how I can help you. There's nothing to lose but potentially so much to gain.

Do I Need To Prepare Anything For My First Session?

During our free consultation you will gain a much clearer picture of what to expect from counselling should you decide to go ahead. But what I always advise my clients before coming to see me the first time is to write down your reasons for seeking help. You could even do this prior to our free, no-obligation chat, as it will make describing your feelings to me a lot more comfortable. During our sessions, you can talk about anything that is on your mind, however large or small you think your problem is. You might even find yourself saying things you had not expected to say.

Remember, this is a safe and secure environment and I am trained to help you explore your circumstances.

What’s The difference Between Talking To A Friend & Talking To A Counsellor?

Sometimes talking to a friend can be helpful and indeed, I often encourage clients to share their feelings their family and friends. However there are some disadvantages to using friends as your only confidants and support. And of course you might not be in that situation where you can.

Friends and family might feel a conflict of loyalty and find it hard to keep things confidential. They might have their own troubles too. Sometimes they may even become distressed by what you are telling them, especially if it's an uncomfortable or personal subject. Occasionally friends and family can become upset if you don’t accept their advice and this creates conflict.

My training means I have formal support and a supervision work structure, which helps me to deal with upsetting and difficult situations. I am trained to listen with empathy, help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings you have and provide objective guidance towards personal understanding and growth. Finally I always work at the pace you feel most comfortable with.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Counselling is not one of those therapies where a couple of quick sessions can "fix" the problem. The focus is on changing habits and behaviours which, over time, improve the quality of your life. One or two sessions will skim the surface but not create the deep change work you need. So to ensure we get to the heart of your challenge and enable me to help you as much as possible. I kindly ask that each client commit to 6 x 60 minute sessions to begin with before we review how things are going, and how you feel if you wish to continue. These will take place once a week.
During your free consultation, I can let you know how many sessions you might need after this and of course, I will be as flexible as I can to best meet your individual circumstances.

Can You Guarantee Results?

To give a guarantee would mean me making false promises or claims and this is something I am loathe to do as I prefer to treat each client as an individual. In truth, each and every one of us is so different from the next and there are so many variables at stake so making wild promises that it will work for everyone is beyond my control. What I can say is that the people who make the decision to have counselling, who turn up committed and who have faith in the process, almost always get results and are ready to embrace a new future. Its important clients find the right therapist to work with and to both be committed to the results that the client wants to achieve.

Please feel free contact me to today for your free, no obligation consultation to find out how counselling can change your life. I am a compassionate and caring practitioner who treats everyone who comes to me in the utmost confidence and I look forward to hearing from you.

Contact me now on 01622-230367