What conditions can counselling help?
Counselling can usually help most people. The important factor is having the motivation to explore yourself. Some issues may be better supported by an organisation or a practitioner who specialises in that field e.g. substance abuse. If I feel that I am unable to provide the appropriate counselling service to meet your needs, I would discuss this with you in our initial session.
How do I know who is the right counsellor for me?
Trust your intuition when you are looking for a counsellor. Does what they are saying make sense and do you feel comfortable in their presence? You should know after the first session whether their personality and counselling style suits you. The therapeutic relationship is the most important element of the counselling experience; get that right and the counselling has the best chance of being successful.
What happens at an initial session?
Thinking about coming to a counselling session can feel quite daunting but just talking to a counsellor about the issues troubling you can feel a sense of relief.
Contact me by email or a telephone call and then I would contact you to arrange a time to speak. This first chat on the telephone gives me an opportunity to find out what you are looking for in counselling and answer any pressing questions that you have. This would not be a counselling session and would take less than 15 minutes. There is no charge for this.
If you decide that you would like to meet me, we will arrange an appointment. This would be the regular time slot for your counselling session so it would need to be one which you could make on a weekly basis.
The initial session is in my counselling room which is comfortable and private. There we can begin to explore what has brought you to counselling and what you would like to work on together in our sessions. I would ask you about your childhood, your relationships and about the significant people in your life, both past and present. It will be a two-way conversation where you are free to ask questions about the process and where, I hope, you will begin to feel comfortable.
If you feel comfortable with our work together, we can then arrange a next appointment.
Will our sessions be confidential?
I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework and as such, all our discussions are confidential unless there is a risk of serious harm either to yourself, someone else or you mention something that, by law, I am obliged to disclose. Wherever possible, I would discuss this with you before disclosing to the relevant professional.
Also, under the terms of the BACP, I am obliged, like all counsellors, to take part in regular supervision where I would share how I am working with you. I would not disclose any details that could identify you.
What do the sessions cost?
Individuals: £55 per 50 minute session.
Couples: £65 per 50 minute session or £110 per 90 minute session (this needs to be agreed in advance).
Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer and is due on the day of your appointment.
When are you available?
I am available weekday daytime and evenings. I am able to accommodate shift working.
How long will I need to come for?
Sessions generally take place each week because regular counselling optimises the work that is done.
The length of time each person spends in therapy varies for each individual. At the initial session, we can decide if it would be better to work on one issue over a short focused timescale or if you would like to explore deeper issues over a longer time. In any case, we would have regular 6 weekly reviews to ensure that the sessions are on track.
What if I can’t make an appointment?
If you are unable to attend a session, please cancel as soon as possible and I will try to offer an alternative time during the same week.
I will not charge for appointments cancelled more than 24 hours in advance but I will have to charge for any cancellation which is within 24 hours of the appointment.
How does the therapy end?
You can decide to finish your sessions with me at any time. You will know when it feels right to end and our last session will be a reflection of your counselling journey. We will look at all you have achieved and recap the strategies that have worked for you so that you can manage future challenges.
What are the next steps?
You’ve taken the first step by recognising you need support and looking at a counselling website. It’s important that you take time to find the right counsellor for you, so have a look at my other web pages, particularly the Individual and Couples pages and if I seem like ‘a right fit’, then contact me by email or telephone with no obligation. You don't have to be alone in this.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Wokingham RG40
Bracknell RG42