FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DOES COUNSELLING HELP?

Counselling helps by giving yourself space and time to talk about what is causing you pain in your life. I won't tell you won't to do but I will help you to change your own life by offering you a warm, quiet, relaxed and confidential space where you will feel heard and understood. Benefits of counselling can include increasing your confidence, building higher self-esteem, feeling calmer, more restful sleep, being able to say no to others without feeling guilty and enjoying more fulfilling relationships  - but most of all - enjoying your life and being you!

WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION?

Your counselling session will be all about you and we will look at the issues that are troubling you.  This will give you an opportunity for reflection - something you may not have the time or energy for in every day life.  As counselling is a collaborative effort it requires you to put in time and effort during the therapy process too. This will enable you to develop deeper self-compassion and emotional well-being, enabling you to move from where you are now to feeling free, empowered and transformed, happier and better equipped for life.

DO I NEED COUNSELLING?

Everyone's issues are significant to them and only you will know if you need professional help.  Whether you've felt this way for a short time or many years, counselling is a great way of helping before issues become worse or develop in to a crisis.  I will help you feel safe and supported - no problem is too big or too small and all emotions are welcome. Some people worry that Counselling may make them feel worse but it isn't all negative - you will also laugh, feel excited, confident and happy, maybe for the first time in a long time.

IS IT CONFIDENTIAL?

Talking to me as your counsellor is different to talking to family & friends as I am neutral to your situation.  I will listen to you in a non-judgemental way without expectation or criticism.  As counselling is confidential (unless there are safeguarding concerns) you won't have to worry about others knowing your business. It'll be up to you who you tell that you are seeing a counsellor.  The perception of counselling is changing fast with the majority of people realising that asking for help is a strength rather than a weakness. 

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Counselling is a process and works best over a period of time.  Short-term counselling will allow you to focus on how you can improve your life right now, working on an issue you are experiencing in your day-to-day life. With long-term counselling we will look more at the past, helping you understand both yourself and how your past is affecting you today as well as working on what you'd like to change.  Once a therapeutic relationship has been established it is possible to transition to irregular top up sessions as and when you feel you need them.

CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Absolutely.  If self-care or putting yourself first doesn't come easy it's all the more important that you feel comfortable in choosing the right counsellor for you.  As counselling is a commitment and investment, it's important that you feel safe with your decision and that doesn't always come from a website or a recommendation.   I offer a free brief consultation via Zoom where you can ask me any questions you may have.  There will be no obligation on your part and if we don't feel I am the best counsellor for you I am happy to help you find the right one.