How I Work With Clients
I'M HERE TO HELP YOU UNPACK YOUR CONCERNS AND LAY THEM OUT IN A WAY THAT IS MORE MANAGEABLE TO SEE A WAY FORWARD.
As a counsellor, the cornerstone of my work is to provide you with a confidential, private and a safe, non-judgemental space in which to explore feelings or situations that you are finding difficult, confusing or distressing.
As a Person Centred Counsellor, It is my role not to lead you in any particular direction but rather let you set the agenda for each of our sessions. This is because I am mindful that you are infact the expert in your life. Sometimes all you may need is just a 'listening ear', rather than advice, to allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings to enable you to learn about acceptance and how to exert your power of choice over whatever life may throw at you.
The most important part of therapy is the therapeutic relationship that we build together. The bond that we create during our sessions is, I believe, what enables the healing part of the therapeutic process to take place.
Your counselling journey might sometimes be difficult or uncomfortable, but I will be supporting you through those periods and for as long as you need. And, if it brings you to a place of contentment, self-awareness and peace of mind, then I hope you feel it will be worth it.
The types of therapies that I offer clients:
Person-Centred Therapy
Humanistic Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Steps Into Counselling
Initial Contact
FREE
I would welcome a chat with you. I offer a 15 minute telephone conversation to discuss any concerns or queries you may have.
You are not obligated to book an assessment after our chat, however if you do, then you will be sent a Self Referral Form to complete which provides me with some general information. On receipt of your completed form you will normally be contacted within 48 hours to book an Assessment with me.
Assessment
1hr
The purpose of an assessment is so we can get to know each other. It provides an opportunity to see if we feel comfortable working together as counselling is based on trust and a therapeutic relationship. It also gives us the opportunity to discuss your needs, concerns and expectations from counselling and for us to discuss how we would work together forming a counselling contract to ensure I work safely and ethically with you.
During this session I will ask you not only about your current concerns but also about your background history and life in general. You are not obligated to answer any questions you feel uncomfortable to discuss at this time. However, if you can be as open as you feel comfortable with being with me it will help me to ensure that professionally I am the best person to work with you or whether I need to suggest a referral to someone more specialised. By attending your assessment you are under no obligation to start counselling if you do not feel ready to proceed.
Counselling
50mins
This is a 50 minute session known as a 'therapeutic hour'. This is your time to discuss your needs, wants, concerns or just sit in silence if that is what you need. You set the agenda for each of our sessions together.
I work in the 'here and now' which means I work with whatever you wish to discuss in each session, appreciating that what may be your concern one week may be different the next time we meet. I will not be offering advice, making judgements but rather providing with a 'talking therapy allowing you to take the lead as I support you through your journey.
Carl Rogers
"I am trying to be a companion to you in your search and exploration. I want to know, am I with you? Is this the thing you are trying to express? Is this the meaning that it has for you? So in that sense I'm walking with you step by step, and I want to make sure I am with you. Am I with you?
I offer short and long term therapy
Each client is an individual so I do not stipulate a number of sessions to book. Clients can have short or long term counselling. However, a minimum of about 8 sessions is normally recommended for you to be able to start to see the benefits of counselling. If you go ahead with counselling then we will have a discussion about how many sessions you feel you may need.
Regularly, I will review with you if our sessions are meeting your needs and expectations. Our contract together will not commit you to an agreed number of counselling sessions.