What is Counselling?
Counselling is commonly defined as a 'talking therapy'. It involves a trained therapist listening and helping you to find ways to deal with anything which is interfering with your own wellbeing and with your most important relationships.
Being able to talk through any problems or negative emotions with someone completely independent can be hugely beneficial. Counselling can help you to understand more about yourself, improve your self esteem and confidence and to work through solutions to any problems. The ultimate aim is to improve your own mental and emotional well-being and to build happier and healthier relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can just talking about my problems help them get any better? Does talking really change anything?
This is a great question as talking on its own may not directly change the external situation you are in. However, counselling can help you to relate very differently to your problems as well as to other people. The danger of bottling things up is that they are likely to lead to longer term problems as well as interfering with relationships at home and at work.
Why wouldn’t I just talk to my family and friends?
Family and friends can often be a great support. However, it can be hard for those closest to us to restrain from giving opinions, unsolicited advice or to have their own agenda. Whilst often well-meaning this can also be unhelpful. Speaking to someone completely independent can make a real difference.
Why is self-awareness important?
The ancient philosopher Aristotle said “knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. Taking time to invest in counselling is a rare and invaluable opportunity to get to know yourself better and to use that information to help you to make better decisions and to develop better relationships.
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How much will I pay?
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The average cost of a counselling session is usually £85 for individual counselling of around an hour and £135 for couples therapy sessions which are longer sessions of 95 minutes. This cost includes access to a dedicated secure app and resources for use between sessions.
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How many sessions might I need?
Counselling offers a confidential and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings and situation in life. A single session will seldom be enough because counselling is a journey and it takes time and consistency to work effectively. There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have with us but we will work with you to scope how many might be appropriate for your individual needs. We can offer discounts for bookings of 6,12 or more sessions. If you feel a single session might be enough for you then we can explore that too.
I feel anxious about having counselling. Is this normal?
We understand that seeking counselling can be daunting and that you may feel nervous, anxious or apprehensive. This is indeed completely normal! During our first conversation we will talk about what is the best approach for you and gather some background information. There is no doubt that counselling can bring up painful feelings and sometimes things can feel worse before they start to feel better. We will give you the support you need to manage any difficulties.
How can I get the most from the counselling?
Making your counselling sessions a priority in your diary and having appointments as consistently as possible will make a big difference. It is important to remember that counselling is not a quick-fix and that developing a relationship of trust between you and your counsellor is very important. Your counsellor can also work with you to identify resources which might be helpful for you to use between sessions to create further opportunities for growth.
Will the counselling be confidential?
Counselling is a safe place for you to talk freely. There are some very limited reasons why it would be necessary to talk to anyone outside of the relationship of trust between the two of you. These will be explained at your first session and relate to matters involving serious harm or crime. Our practice is supervised to ensure we work to best practice and we keep our client's details safe in line with data protection regulations.
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Are you qualified?
Yes, you are in safe hands. I am trained and qualified through the Counselling and Psychotherapy Awarding Body (CPCAB) to work with both adults and children and I adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also qualified to work with couples having trained with Relate and I have undertaken levels 1 &2 in the Gottman Method of couples therapy.
How will the counselling relationship end?
Often our experience of relationships coming to an end is not a good one, and counselling offers the opportunity to experience something very different. This in itself can be very important and healing. We will help address your concerns every step of the way.
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Are online and telephone appointments as good as Face to Face?
My experience over the last few years is that online and telephone appointments are just as effective as face to face sessions. Many clients have felt they have also benefited by not having to travel to appointments and it has made it easier to fit their therapy around work and other life commitments.
