What is Counselling about?
Counselling is a process, short or long term, within which a confidential relationship is built between counsellor and client. It is an opportunity to explore issues with a trained and qualified professional in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
These issues may include but are not limited to anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationships, bereavement, abuse, or life changing decisions.
I believe counselling to be about the exploration of feelings, perspectives and choices, as well as to gain an increased understanding and awareness of yourself as a person. My role is not to advise you, but to help guide you in finding your own way forward which is best for you.
How will you know if counselling is right for you?
Our initial appointment will be an assessment session. This session is 50 minutes in duration where we can explore the issues which have brought you to counselling and discuss any expectations you have around the process. We can then decide together whether beginning counselling sessions is the most appropriate intervention for you at this time. I offer this initial appointment at a reduced rate. You can dip your toe in the water, see how you feel and decide if you want to commit to an additional set of sessions going forward.
Following mutual agreement, we will then work together, regularly reviewing how we are getting on. I work initially with short-term (6 or 12 week) agreements to facilitate the review process. Longer-term work can be arranged, taking into consideration each individual’s circumstances.