Frequently asked questions: FAQs
What is Counselling?
Counselling “offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things” BACP
How do I know if I need counselling/psychotherapy?
Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling. Just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference. Counselling provides a regular time for those in distress to explore their feelings and talk about their problems. I can help you develop better ways of coping, allowing you to live the life you deserve.
Do you talk to anybody about our sessions
Being a member of the BACP, I agree to attend supervision, this is the only place where I talk about our sessions, when I do it will be anonymously, without private details. The reason for this is to ensure I am offering the best service possible by looking after my well-being. I am also bound by law to keep brief notes on our sessions, these are kept in a locked secure file. The only time I would break our confidentiality agreement is if I felt you were a serious harm to yourself or someone else, I am bound by law to then contact the relevant organisations. I am regulated by the BACP code of conduct which can be found at http://www.bacp.co.uk/prof_conduct/
How many sessions do I need to sign up for
The good thing about counselling is that it is up to you and us. It maybe that 6 sessions is enough but equally you might know you need longer term. Together we can decide how many sessions you would like. We would regularly review and you will know when you are ready to end your counselling. It is important for us to talk openly about how much time you feel that you need.
What if I cry?
That is ok. I am secure in my own self to be able to support you in your process. Sometimes crying is the only way to express ourselves, my role is encourage you to look at why that might be. Please be reassured that crying is part of the process and often it helps unblock those painful feelings that need an outlet. I will give you space, tissues and time to cry. I will also ensure that you finish our session feeling ready to face the rest of your day.
Will you tell me what to do?
No, together we will unpick layer by layer the problems you are bringing to counselling. My role is to empower you and to help you develop the confidence you need to question, challenge and support yourself. Imagine a room full of stuff, you want to be able to open the window but you can't reach it and you don’t know where to start. My role is to help you work through the room, file, sort, throw away and let go, until you feel able to throw the windows wide open!
I feel like the only person who has issues and needs to see a counsellor?
It can feel like this when you are not feeling great, however 1 in 4 adults will experience at least one episode of depression or mental health issue in their lifetime, that’s just under 25% of the UK population.
There has been stigma attached to mental health issues for years however now as a nation, we are talking to each other and becoming more open. Many clients report that once they find the courage to open up to others, they often find they have experiences in common and find support in places they never thought they would. Finding the courage to discuss what you are going through and how you are feeling is what will help to banish the stigma. (Taken from Counsellors UK)
What is Counselling?
Counselling “offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things” BACP
How do I know if I need counselling/psychotherapy?
Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling. Just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference. Counselling provides a regular time for those in distress to explore their feelings and talk about their problems. I can help you develop better ways of coping, allowing you to live the life you deserve.
Do you talk to anybody about our sessions
Being a member of the BACP, I agree to attend supervision, this is the only place where I talk about our sessions, when I do it will be anonymously, without private details. The reason for this is to ensure I am offering the best service possible by looking after my well-being. I am also bound by law to keep brief notes on our sessions, these are kept in a locked secure file. The only time I would break our confidentiality agreement is if I felt you were a serious harm to yourself or someone else, I am bound by law to then contact the relevant organisations. I am regulated by the BACP code of conduct which can be found at http://www.bacp.co.uk/prof_conduct/
How many sessions do I need to sign up for
The good thing about counselling is that it is up to you and us. It maybe that 6 sessions is enough but equally you might know you need longer term. Together we can decide how many sessions you would like. We would regularly review and you will know when you are ready to end your counselling. It is important for us to talk openly about how much time you feel that you need.
What if I cry?
That is ok. I am secure in my own self to be able to support you in your process. Sometimes crying is the only way to express ourselves, my role is encourage you to look at why that might be. Please be reassured that crying is part of the process and often it helps unblock those painful feelings that need an outlet. I will give you space, tissues and time to cry. I will also ensure that you finish our session feeling ready to face the rest of your day.
Will you tell me what to do?
No, together we will unpick layer by layer the problems you are bringing to counselling. My role is to empower you and to help you develop the confidence you need to question, challenge and support yourself. Imagine a room full of stuff, you want to be able to open the window but you can't reach it and you don’t know where to start. My role is to help you work through the room, file, sort, throw away and let go, until you feel able to throw the windows wide open!
I feel like the only person who has issues and needs to see a counsellor?
It can feel like this when you are not feeling great, however 1 in 4 adults will experience at least one episode of depression or mental health issue in their lifetime, that’s just under 25% of the UK population.
There has been stigma attached to mental health issues for years however now as a nation, we are talking to each other and becoming more open. Many clients report that once they find the courage to open up to others, they often find they have experiences in common and find support in places they never thought they would. Finding the courage to discuss what you are going through and how you are feeling is what will help to banish the stigma. (Taken from Counsellors UK)
What is Counselling?
- Counselling is a talking therapy which takes place in a relaxed, safe, confidential, non-judgemental environment; it is your time to talk about your worries.
- It is an opportunity for you to bring what you want to each session as you feel ready. Therefore it is important to understand that we will go at your pace.
- Counselling encourages you to explore your inner self, thoughts and feelings.
- It helps to see problems more clearly or from a different point of view.
- And often challenges negative behaviour and thought patterns.
- It focuses on your feelings, behaviour and experiences; with the aim to facilitate a positive change.
- It is time for you to be able to cope with life’s challenges.