When starting a new therapeutic relationship, ensure that you choose a counsellor carefully.  The client-counsellor relationship is key to the effectiveness of the therapy.  Interview your counsellor first, educate yourself about what counselling is, and what it is not.  Think about what you want to achieve from therapy. 

What is counselling? 

Counselling offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may seem confusing, painful or uncomfortable. It allows you to talk with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things.

 

Can counselling help me?

I can help you explore what is troubling you or causing distress. Clients come to me because they want professional and empathetic support and help. I will listen and support you for as long as you need to start feeling better. I will help you explore your problems from a new perspective and assist you to find empowering solutions.

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How many sessions will I need?

This will depend on individual circumstances.  You may need more frequent sessions to begin with, typically once a week, and may choose to then alter the frequency, perhaps once per two weeks or once per month, or you may choose to end therapy.  The total length of a course of therapy depends on your needs and situation. Some issues may be worked through successfully in just a few sessions and some issues may take longer.

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How long does each session last?

Each counselling session lasts for 55 minutes (a therapeutic hour), with an additional 5 minutes for reviewing and organising any follow-up session.

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Can I trust you?

I have been trained to a proficient level to work with the public, and I am professionally accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society - PNCPS (Accredited).  I am bound by the professional ethics, policies and procedures of this society.  Confidentiality is a key aspect of our work.  I maintain enhanced DBS checks and work with Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and private clients.  I am the Data Protection Officer registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (www.ico.org.uk) for IaNTO Counselling and comply fully with GDPR.  You may ask to see copies of any qualifications, memberships or other documentation.  I engage in regular monthly clinical supervision and align this to the policies of the NCPS and the EAPs I work with.  I engage with regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development) both for my own interests and to fully satisfy the requirements of my professional memberships.

I abide by the ethical framework of the NCPS (Code of Ethics).

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