Is counselling for me?
What is counselling?
What is the aim of counselling?
Is this service confidential?
What actually happens during a counselling session?
How long does counselling last?
How much can I expect to pay?
Will you see people with drug abuse problems?


Is counselling for me?

Does your life feel difficult? Do you find yourself in a 'rut' knowing you want to make changes but feeling overwhelmed? Do you find yourself worried about the future? Are you in the middle of a crisis or trying to cope with the effects and painful memories of a past trauma? Do you need a place where your thoughts, feelings and actions can be seriously listened to, openly discussed and explored without fear of judgement? Do you find your family and friends do listen but it doesn't seem to help or they have lost interest in listening and quickly offer advice you are expected to comply with?

If you answer yes to any of the above then counselling can help you - help you view your life and your unique issues, explore them and move forward in your life at your unique pace with the support of a professional at this stage in your journey through life.


What is counselling?

Many people find that they benefit from sharing their troubles, symptoms and reccurring patterns of behaviour and thoughts. With a trained counsellor who will actively listen and understand you beyond what is being said without judging you. Being able to talk about our thoughts, feelings and actions, without fear of being judged or criticised, can be a tremendous relief.

My acceptance and active listening can lead to a new energy and self-acceptance. As a trained counsellor I can help you unravel old and new conflicts and traumas with a view of understanding of how they may have developed. Then this may help you to move on. I can help you decide what you want for yourself, without giving advice or applying any pressure. I will not tell you what to do but will help you make your own choices. Together we can reflect on how you respond to life events and explore the way you relate to yourself and others within a private, safe and comfortable surrounding.


What is the aim of counselling?

My aim is to help you to reach your true potential in your journey through life. I also hope you will discover what you want in life, what is important to you and what past experiences and pain have been holding you back and may be linked to your current behaviour. I hope our journey together at this time will leave you feeling more at peace, with a sense of personal freedom. I do not have a cure-all technique but will strive to be trustworthy and consistent in our relationship to enable you to grow in your understanding of your emotional difficulties, as this understanding will help you start to deal with your life's complications. 

'just as gardeners do not grow plants - they grow by themselves - counsellors do not grow persons. What both the gardener and counsellor try to do is create the conditions in which the inherent capabilities for growth and development can come to fruition'
(T Merry in Learning and Being 2000) 


Is this service confidential?

It is important for you to feel safe within the counselling sessions and my confidentiality is underpinned by my belief in and membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of Ethics and Practice.


What actually happens during a counselling session?

Each one-to-one session will last 50 minutes and will take place on a weekly basis. I will not ask you lots of questions as I believe it is essential to give you the time and space to express your feelings. We will talk through what you chose to bring to the sessions - what issues are concerning you, but I do realize this may feel strange to begin with.


How long does counselling last?

We will agree together a limited or open-ended contract depending on your needs and circumstances. 


How much can I expect to pay?

My current fees start from £25 but the amount will be agreed at the assessment.
I also offer reduced fees in certain circumstances.

Will you see people with drug abuse problems?

I believe this is a complex and varied area of therapy provision requiring a multi-agency approach to ensure social, mental, and physical health issues are addressed. As a private practitioner I can only offer limited intervention and would always recommend alternative routes for a more comprehensive approach.
Again I will be able to refer you to one of my colleagues with specialist training to discuss this with you.