When can counselling help?
Most of us have times in our lives when we feel low or struggle to cope. This may be due to a crisis, a particular life event, an accumulation of stress or difficult past experiences which are still affecting us now.
However, you don’t have to be in crisis to seek counselling, it can also be useful if you’re feeling stuck, confused or unfulfilled in your life, or would simply like to work on your personal development.
Counselling is not just about dealing with problems or painful issues, but is also a valuable way of reconnecting with your strengths and resources, as well as learning new skills which can be useful for the rest of your life.
Making the decision to come for counselling is not a sign of failure, but a positive step towards creating a happier life for yourself.
Who can it help?
Whatever your background, age or gender, you can benefit from counselling if you’re open to learning about yourself and feel ready to change.
I have substantial experience of working with both adults and young people (aged 11+).
What happens in an initial session?
The initial assessment session enables us to meet and discuss your needs. If you decide you’d like to work with me*, we will then agree on an initial number of sessions - I usually suggest a minimum of 6.
*N.B. Very occasionally, after an initial session, I may feel that I am not the best person for you to see. In this case I will, wherever possible, give you details of other therapists or agencies who can offer you appropriate support.
How many sessions?
You may feel you only need a few sessions to explore a particular issue or you may decide to commit to a longer period of counselling in order to explore your life in more depth - it’s up to you. I ensure we review our work regularly to make sure it is still fulfilling your needs.
Counselling works best when you commit to attending. Sessions take place weekly and generally last one hour.
Discontinuing counselling
Usually counselling finds a natural end when, as you no longer need support, it feels right for us to bring the work to a close. However, if at any time during our work together you decide you do not wish to continue, you are of course free to end - ideally we would meet for a final session.