Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens during a counselling session?
In your first introductory session I will take you through an initial assessment, which will be a series of questions to get to know you and the issues you are bringing to therapy. We will look at your current well-being, as well as issues and patterns from your past that you may want to work through. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about how therapy will work and express your expectations, too. Then we can decide if we can work together.
Counselling is a kind of talking therapy, so during weekly sessions clients talk about their thoughts and feelings and I use counselling skills such as listening, reflecting and many more.
Therapy offers a safe, confidential space and a therapeutic relationship for you to express yourself, feel heard and understood and reflect. You can process experiences, become aware of feelings, gain a new perspective on difficulties in your life and build a stronger sense of self and ultimately develop coping strategies to enable lasting changes.
How many sessions do I need to have?
Most clients have counselling for a minimum of 6 sessions, there is no set amount of time that is right. The number of sessions depends on the complexity and range of issues a person is facing. I offer both short (up to 12 weeks) and long term, open-ended counselling.
Short-term counselling may support you to cope during a difficult time, whereas long-term therapy can deepen self-awareness and result in lasting changes.
Clients themselves can decide the number of sessions that feels right to them. We will discuss in our introductory session your preference and it will be reviewed regularly.
The last session is usually an ending, a round-off session, when we review what has been achieved and reflect on our work together. This is recommended to provide a safe ending of our work together.
Clients have the autonomy to terminate sessions any time though. (no notice period or hidden charges)
Can I have sessions every two weeks?
Weekly sessions are recommended to provide consistency. However, towards the end of long-term therapy it might be possible to have less frequent sessions to provide a gradual ending.
How can counselling support me?
Counselling can be used to address various kinds of emotional distress and the causes of distress. Counselling can support you to build confidence, increase your self-awareness, form healthier habits and coping strategies, regain emotional balance, improve relationships, set boundaries and increase assertiveness.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment can be made directly into my bank account. Card payment is posssible in case of in-person sessions.
Where will our sessions take place?
I offer sessions remotely, online or in-person. Please make sure you have a safe, private space to attend the online sessions and preferably a laptop with stable internet connection. Therapy sessions cannot take place from a public place such as a park due to the confidential nature of the sessions.
Do you offer home visits?
I do not offer home visits.
What is meant by confidentiality?
Confidentiality means that everything that is said during our sessions remains private. In addition, the notes I take after the sessions are also stored securely and any names or personal details are anonymised. The only exception to this, when I would need to breach confidentiality, is if someone was at serious risk of harm or in order to prevent a serious crime from being committed. This happens very rarely and I would discuss it with the client first, before taking action. I present the presenting issues of clients in supervision using clients' initials only to provide anonymity.
Do you work with teenagers and children?
I am qualified to work with adults only.
Do you work with couples?
I work with individual clients only.
Will you give me advice?
Giving advice would not be ethical but I will try my best to facilitate self-exploration for you to find a way forward. Actually, working with a professional, impartial counsellor you will have the opportunity to open up about things you may feel uncomfortable to speak about with a loved one or a friend.
The safety of the therapeutic space will help you understand what you are experiencing, how it impacts your life and what changes you may want to make.
What is High Sensitivity?
Click here or here for more information.
Can I take a Highly Sensitive Person self test?
Yes, click here for the self test.
Click here to book a free 15-min. tel. consultation.