FAQs

How do I know if therapy is right for me?
This will be carefully assessed in our initial consultation. We will make a joint decision about whether your needs are best served by counselling, and if they are, whether I am an appropriate counsellor for you to see.

What will happen at the initial session?
You may be nervous on the run up to the session, but this is perfectly normal.
We will meet for one hour and I will find out about you and what has brought you to therapy. We will work out together what it is that you want to get out of your therapy. You will get an understanding of how I work, and also get the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We will then decide the length of therapy.
I will also go through the contract with you. This is nothing to worry about, it means that you gain an understanding of what the counselling process involves and how we will work together. The contract forms the basis of our work together and may include:
Is counselling totally Confidential?
Most people see a counsellor because they want what they discuss with the counsellor to remain confidential. This is the case with the majority of issues, however confidentiality is not absolute. There are exceptions and this will be discussed at your initial session when contracting. Please refer to the section on the website on confidentiality.

Please explain more about your approach.
Cognitive approach (CBT) assumes that the way a person thinks influence their behaviour, so negative thoughts can lead to an emotional disorder, such as anxiety and depression. CBT accepts the fact that by changing negative thoughts and patterns, distress can be reduced. CBT is essential in any behaviour change and it is aiming to change irrational beliefs. It is based on the present, the here and now.
Person-centred counselling is one of the humanistic approaches and works by making the individual understand the conflict with themselves.
Psychodynamic therapy helps you understand how your current feelings and behaviour are shaped by your past experiences and your unconscious mind and impulses.
The relationship with me will be key to this therapeutic approach. Having an accepting and trusting relationship with me, will enable you to talk freely and openly about topics like your childhood and your relationship with your parents.
This can help you understand what you’re feeling now, why you behave in a certain way and how this affects your relationships.
We are going to be focusing on your needs, ensuring and providing care that is respectful:
I am a parent, searching for help for my son/daughter, how does the counselling relationship work?
It is important that they know you are arranging an initial consultation, as counselling works best when a client is willing to explore it.
I may speak to the parent on the phone prior to the initial consultation, to get an understanding of the situation. After this my relationship will be with them going forward. Generally, I will have minimal contact with the parent, as the young person will benefit most from knowing they have a confidential relationship with me. This is, of course, subject to any potential safeguarding concerns, in which case the parent may be notified, depending on the age of the young person. Having said this, I might offer a session or two with the children and the parents at the same time, which can be very beneficial for both. However, the presence of the parents my not allow the child to express themselves fully. There is not right or wrong. Our goal is the child needs.

What is an Ethical Framework?
The purpose of the framework is to give counsellors’ support and guidance in resolving issues that can and do crop up in their work. It is also to encourage practitioners to work ethically and to be aware of their responsibilities in delivering therapy in a variety of settings and within different organisations and also as protection for the public.
For more information, see https://www.bacp.co.uk/