New to Counselling?
Don't worry. If you have never had counselling before, I realise it must be daunting to contact a counsellor for the first time.
I have created these Q&A's which I hope will help you understand a little more about how it works.
Q. How does counselling work?
It is a common misconception that your counsellor is just sitting in front of you repeating the same question, 'how do you feel about it?'
In my counselling room however, I will actively support you and help you make sense of your world. You will be in a safe and relaxed environment. As I listen, I may ask some questions that may help you to look deeper into your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes it may be a bit of a challenge for both of us but we will work together to overcome these challenges to help you make progress. We will also keep discussing how we are doing with each other. If anything needs changing, we will openly discuss it so that it reflects your needs.
Q. Is counselling suitable for everyone? / Is counselling good for me?
Counselling can help a lot of people although it really depends on each individual. We can meet once to see if counselling with me would be the best course of action for you.
If you would like to find out if counselling could be the answer for you, I offer the first 'taster' session for a reduced price.
Q. Is counselling totally confidential?
What you say in our counselling room is usually kept strictly confidential between you and me, but there are some exceptions. If I feel that there is a safety risk for you or others, I will need to take some action. Also, I have a legal requirement to report some activities such as terrorism, money laundering and child abuse. I can provide more details at our first meeting, but with these exceptions, counselling is totally confidential.
Q. Can I receive counselling without my family and friends knowing?
Yes. There are some exceptions if you are under 16. Please let me know when you first contact me if you have specific contact restrictions.
Q. Can a family member join me in the session?
Usually I recommend that you have counselling on your own. However, if you require support by a trusted third party, they are welcome to join us.
Q. Can my counsellor give me practical help?
Counselling with me will help you to find your own way of helping yourself. To avoid dependence on your counsellor, practical help, for example, with finances or contacting organisations is usually not offered. What I can do is to support you to find a path that you can take to solve your practical problem yourself.
Q. I take medication to support my mental health. Can I still have counselling?
Yes, people who take medication are able to have counselling. There are exceptions. If you let me know the details in our first session, we can discuss your needs.
Q. If I need to cancel a booked session, what should I do?
Please contact me as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, there is no charge. The full fee is charged after this as I won't be able to re-allocate the session at short notice.
Q. If I want to stop counselling, what should I do?
I like to make this as easy as possible. If you feel you want to stop, just let me know. No problem.
Q. What if I have a complaint about your service?
I am happy to discuss any issues you have regarding your counselling. We can also discuss alternative support that may be more suitable for you.
Didn't find an answer to your question? Just ask me. Send me a message. I am happy to help!
I have created these Q&A's which I hope will help you understand a little more about how it works.
Q. How does counselling work?
It is a common misconception that your counsellor is just sitting in front of you repeating the same question, 'how do you feel about it?'
In my counselling room however, I will actively support you and help you make sense of your world. You will be in a safe and relaxed environment. As I listen, I may ask some questions that may help you to look deeper into your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes it may be a bit of a challenge for both of us but we will work together to overcome these challenges to help you make progress. We will also keep discussing how we are doing with each other. If anything needs changing, we will openly discuss it so that it reflects your needs.
Q. Is counselling suitable for everyone? / Is counselling good for me?
Counselling can help a lot of people although it really depends on each individual. We can meet once to see if counselling with me would be the best course of action for you.
If you would like to find out if counselling could be the answer for you, I offer the first 'taster' session for a reduced price.
Q. Is counselling totally confidential?
What you say in our counselling room is usually kept strictly confidential between you and me, but there are some exceptions. If I feel that there is a safety risk for you or others, I will need to take some action. Also, I have a legal requirement to report some activities such as terrorism, money laundering and child abuse. I can provide more details at our first meeting, but with these exceptions, counselling is totally confidential.
Q. Can I receive counselling without my family and friends knowing?
Yes. There are some exceptions if you are under 16. Please let me know when you first contact me if you have specific contact restrictions.
Q. Can a family member join me in the session?
Usually I recommend that you have counselling on your own. However, if you require support by a trusted third party, they are welcome to join us.
Q. Can my counsellor give me practical help?
Counselling with me will help you to find your own way of helping yourself. To avoid dependence on your counsellor, practical help, for example, with finances or contacting organisations is usually not offered. What I can do is to support you to find a path that you can take to solve your practical problem yourself.
Q. I take medication to support my mental health. Can I still have counselling?
Yes, people who take medication are able to have counselling. There are exceptions. If you let me know the details in our first session, we can discuss your needs.
Q. If I need to cancel a booked session, what should I do?
Please contact me as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, there is no charge. The full fee is charged after this as I won't be able to re-allocate the session at short notice.
Q. If I want to stop counselling, what should I do?
I like to make this as easy as possible. If you feel you want to stop, just let me know. No problem.
Q. What if I have a complaint about your service?
I am happy to discuss any issues you have regarding your counselling. We can also discuss alternative support that may be more suitable for you.
Didn't find an answer to your question? Just ask me. Send me a message. I am happy to help!
