Counselling

Counselling is described as a talking therapy where a trained counsellor works with you, so you can find solutions to whatever is troubling you.  What counsellors won't do is tell you what to do.  It is your time to work through what may be keeping you stuck, so that you can then move forward. 

Sometimes in our lives we struggle to think, or process what may be going on within or around us in the present.  Maybe we have a demanding family or job, maybe we just need a trained counsellor to be with us as things feel difficult to face.  In counselling you will have this space, free from interruptions, to focus on you.  It is your time dedicated to you and for your mental self care.

If you have decided that counselling is something you would like to try, you may be still feeling very anxious about opening up to someone you don't know.  This is a big and important first step and if you haven't had any counselling before it may feel really difficult.  So, apart from looking for a counsellor who holds the right qualifications, it is important that you feel comfortable with them.

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. 

HOW SHOULD I GET IN TOUCH?

If you would like to get in touch, that's great. I recommend a telephone conversation initially so that I can answer any immediate questions and get an idea from you about what you want to achieve out of counselling. If I cannot get to the phone, please leave a message (it is completely confidential) stating what number to call you back on and if it's okay to leave you a message, and I will get in touch as soon as I can.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Each 50 minute session is £50.00, I have a limited amount of sessions available for anyone who is waiting for NHS counselling, low income or a student counsellor. Please contact me for more information.

WHAT DAYS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?

I have various time slots available between Mon - Fri between the hours of 09:00 to 21:00. 

Also availability on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00.

IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL?

I take your confidentiality very seriously and this will be discussed in depth during our first session.  

I am also an accredited member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and as such adhere to their ethical guidance. 

I am also a member of the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) which offers guidance on General Data Protection Regulation.  

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FIRST SESSION?

In this session I will need to take some information from you to enable me to work safely and ethically. 

I will normally do a guided assessment session to allow you to relax and tell me a little more about yourself and your reasons for seeking counselling.  This will also allow you to decide if I am the right counsellor for you.  

There will be the opportunity to ask any questions and to establish a way of working with each other.

I am also happy to recommend other avenues that could be more suitable for your needs if required. 

HOW MANY SESSIONS WOULD I NEED?

This does vary considerably and does depend on what you would like to work on. We can discuss this in more depth at our first session.  

However, I would usually recommend at least 4 - 6 sessions, to allow time for you to become more relaxed into the counselling process.  I would also recommend that you attend once a week.

I also offer open ended long term counselling for those that require it.  

HOW OFTEN ARE THE SESSIONS?

Sessions will be once a week usually at the same agreed time.  However there is also the possibility to offer fortnightly 1.5 hourly sessions for those that work shift patterns.  Contact for more information and costs.

IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO PARK?

Yes, there is free car parking available. There is also a bus stop only a 5 minute walk from my location.