WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN OUR FIRST SESSION?
The first session will be about finding out, from you, what you want from therapy and where you want to be. We will look at your journey so far and how counselling could potentially help going forward.
HOW CAN YOU GET THE MOST FROM THERAPY?
The most important thing is to be honest and open. If you don’t feel that you can be fully open or honest, then it could be time to change your counsellor. Your relationship with your counsellor is very important. You should feel safe and able to take risks by disclosing and discussing sensitive issues. This also includes being able to give honest feedback on how you feel about your therapy and if you feel it’s working for you. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable in your therapeutic relationship, then you should speak to the governing body your therapist belongs to.
HOW MANY COUNSELLING SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
It’s impossible to say how many sessions will be needed until we start to talk. Initially we would look at a minimum of six sessions.
CAN I LEAVE COUNSELLING AT ANY TIME?
Yes, it’s completely up to you when you leave. The time might not be right for you and counselling.
YOUR COUNSELLING JOURNEY
What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe and confidential space, where you are able to talk to a trained professional about any issues and worries you may have.
As a therapist I am there to help you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, to help bring awareness about yourself and the world you live in.
As a fully qualified counsellor, I am there to focus on you, increasing your awareness, freedom, and self-direction; whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding ways of coping with different issues in your life.
Unfortunately, the world of therapy is unregulated so it is important that you make sure your counsellor is fully qualified and a registered member of a governing body. The way to guarantee this, is to check the relevant governing body website, for example, the BACP, Counselling Directory or Psychology Today. A counsellor has to be qualified to appear on these directories so you can be confident the counsellor you select, is qualified and insured.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
IS FACE TO FACE BETTER THAN ONLINE OR TELEPHONE COUNSELLING?
Both online, telephone or face to face can be really effective, it all depends on your preference for sessions.
I can offer sessions on a face to face basis in Highclere, on Zoom or over the telephone. I’m also pleased to offer walking talking therapy, where we can be out in nature. It can make it easier for a person to relax, stop ruminating, release physical tension and experience therapy in a different way.
What happens during counselling sessions?
As your counsellor I will primarily listen to you and help you to explore your thoughts and feelings and try and understand why you feel the way you do. However, we can also work together to set and work towards goals in life. Counselling can help to break certain behaviour patterns in life.
