What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist like myself who will listen to you and help you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
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Sometimes the term "counselling" is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a type of therapy in its own right.
If you recognise any of the below problems in your life I can help.
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A mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder
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An upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility
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A difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress
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Difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger
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Other issues, such as sexual identity
What to expect from counselling
At your appointment, you'll be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions with a trained therapist like myself and I will listen and support you without judging or criticising.
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I can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, and find your own solutions to problems. But I will not usually give advice or tell you what to do.
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You may be offered a single session of counselling, a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or a longer course that lasts for several months or years.
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It can take a number of sessions before you start to see progress, but you should gradually start to feel better with my help and support.
" Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable"
What happens in your first session
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Introductions
I will spend a few minutes introducing myself and explaining how I work. You can ask me about my qualifications and experience, your therapy or anything you’re not sure about. I will want to make sure you feel at ease by sorting out basic things like where you would like to sit, and whether you use first names or are more formal.
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Assessment
I may ask you if you would like to give a history of the problems you’re experiencing. I might want you to complete some forms, or go through information I have received about you, such as a letter from your GP. Or i may just ask you to ‘tell your story’. It’s important that you feel you’ve had the opportunity to tell me about what’s troubling you.
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Contracting
I should agree the terms, or contract with you, about how I will provide my services. This may be either a verbal agreement or a printed document for us both to sign.
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This first session is important for making sure that you feel comfortable with me and my way of working. You don’t have to continue with my service if you can’t relate to me or don’t feel safe.
