Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling?

Counselling, or 'therapy', provides a safe and supportive setting for addressing current challenges or to explore past issues. The counselling experience is unique to each individual while consistently offering a secure environment guided by a fully trained and qualified counsellor.

Counselling is valuable for those looking to make life changes or wanting to delve deeper into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It's important to understand that counsellors do not solve your problems; instead, they assist you in discovering your own solutions. This process enhances self-awareness, equips you with coping strategies, encourages emotional regulation, and strengthens decision-making skills.

Embark on your journey of self-exploration through counselling to begin a positive transformation. Take charge of your mental health and empower yourself to navigate life's obstacles with confidence.

How Do I Know If I Need Counselling?

It's likely that you've found your way to this page with a particular reason in mind. Therapy is invaluable for a wide range of situations, below are some signs indicating that counselling could be beneficial for you:

• You're facing a challenge and finding it difficult to cope or adjust. This might be due to a distressing life event like a breakup, loss of a loved one, changes in health, or work-related stress. It could also stem from life transitions such as becoming a parent, relocating, starting a new job, or getting married.
• An existing or long-standing issue has resurfaced or seems especially prominent, such as struggles in relationships, past losses, or childhood traumas.
• You're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to manage your emotions. This could manifest as behaving out of character, an inability to function normally, increased tearfulness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of isolation, irritability, or impatience. You know deep down that you're not yourself at the moment.
• You've identified a need for change because current patterns are no longer serving you. Perhaps you're determined to break a cycle but feel unsure how to proceed.
• You feel lost or trapped. There is a sudden and gradual realisation that you don't really know yourself or what you need. 
• Someone has recommended counselling, and you're open to giving it a shot.
• You've dealt with or are dealing with mental health challenges and wish to prioritise your mental well-being for a healthier lifestyle.

Regardless of the reason prompting you to seek help, feel free to reach out. If I believe another service or professional would better meet your needs, I'll be upfront about it. Counselling is about discovering what works best for you, and I'm dedicated to assisting individuals in finding the right support.

What Happens in a Counselling Session?

Our first session serves as an opportunity for us to delve into the world of counselling together. This initial meeting involves an essential discussion about our 'Therapeutic Contract', a cornerstone for ensuring that our journey in counselling is aligned. The primary focus of this session will be on gathering relevant background information to allow me to get to know you better. As we progress, our conversations will naturally evolve, granting you the freedom to explore topics at your own pace. There is no pressure to address any issues you may not feel prepared to discuss. Establishing a gradual rapport creates a comfortable environment for you to open up about difficult aspects of your life, which you may have never shared before or find challenging to articulate. In counselling, you have a safe space to express these emotions without the fear of being judged.

Throughout our counseling journey, our goal is to create a secure and supportive environment where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions. Together, we will work towards achieving your objectives and improving your overall well-being. You are encouraged to express yourself openly, knowing that your voice will be heard and your feelings respected.

As we approach the end of each session, I will kindly give you a heads-up on the remaining time to ensure a proper conclusion to our discussion and determine if any topics need revisiting in our next meeting. Prior to wrapping up, we will schedule your following appointment. Sessions typically span 50 minutes, but I recommend allowing up to one hour for each meeting.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

There's flexibility in the number of counseling sessions you can have, tailored to suit your needs. Some individuals may find relief after just six sessions, while others may benefit from forty hours or more. The duration of our sessions depends on various factors, making it challenging to predict the exact number needed for each individual. If you prefer a specific number of sessions, we can set a goal and structure each session accordingly for better time management.

For long-term clients, I initiate a conversation when it feels like a good time to pause or conclude regular counseling sessions. Clients are also encouraged to express if they wish to take a break or end sessions at any point.