Counselling - Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of counsellor are you?

I am a warm, empathetic and thoughtful person, who respects clients’ needs and individual agency. Most important for me is the personal interaction between client and therapist: I do not make diagnoses, use a couch, or tell you how to run your life. My work is integrative and relational, with a wide training which enables me to incorporate a range of theoretical models and techniques. Since my original training in integrative and humanistic counselling I have undertaken further study in contemporary psychotherapy, attachment theory, trauma and mindfulness-based therapy, Gestalt and Buddhist psychology. I am also a trained mindfulness meditation teacher (MBCT/MBSR). I may offer to incorporate some practical mindfulness into sessions when I think it could help.

  How can counselling help me/us?

I believe that most people find it helpful to talk through how they feel with an experienced and trained person. The safe space of the counselling room allows you to explore what is going on for you (or each of you in couples work), and to feel clearer about what you need. This is collaborative work, and we look together at what might be getting in the way of what you want from your life and relationships. As our work progresses we may explore how significant life events and patterns continue to shape current events. Recognising this can open up space and choice, helping to bring about lasting changes in the way you live, feel, and relate to others.

I have, or am seeking a diagnosis regarding my mental health or my personality, am taking medication, or I am/have been under the care of secondary mental health services. Are you able to work me?

We are all individuals with individual feelings, whatever our diagnosis or mental health history. If you have or are seeking a diagnosis, have ongoing secondary mental health support, or have a past history of significant mental health disturbance, I’ll be happy to explore whether and how we might work together.

How often will I come to counselling and for how long?

I generally meet individual clients weekly, at the same time, for 50 minute sessions, and meet couples either weekly or fortnightly. At our first meeting we will agree upon a fixed or initial number of sessions. We will look at this again towards the end of these sessions, and at that point we may agree upon more sessions, or move to more open-ended work if this feels more appropriate.

How do I set up an initial meeting?

The first step is to contact me by email. We will arrange an initial 50 minute meeting, in which you will be able to experience how I work, tell me what is bringing you now, and any expectations you may have. Sometimes I will suggest that we extend this discussion over two meetings. If I think that working with me may help you, I will offer you ongoing sessions. I will provide you with written terms that explain my policies on confidentiality, Data Protection, fees, holidays and cancelled appointments. If I think that your needs might be better addressed by another avenue or therapy, I will discuss options with you.