How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
The only way to know for sure is to have an initial assessment session where we can get to know each other. Most people get a good sense of whether I am the right therapist to work alongside them after the first session.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions last for 50 minutes. This is the usual time for a ‘therapeutic hour’.
Who do you work with?
I provide counselling for adults and young adults over the age of 16. I have a particular interest in the mental health of young adults. I do not work with couples or children.
What happens during the first session?
Many people are nervous coming to their first session of counselling; it’s a big decision to have made. In the first session I will try to help you become as calm and comfortable as possible. This might be by talking, doing some breathing exercises or grounding together. Then, going at your own pace, it is a time for you to start to share your story and talk about what you might like to change. Most importantly it is the start of us building an authentic and trusting relationship which will be the foundation for working together.
How often will we meet?
Most people initially choose to meet weekly. Weekly sessions help us to build a trusting relationship and research shows it is effective for progress in therapy. However, everyone’s circumstances are different and it is something we can discuss in our assessment session.
Do we meet at the same time every week?
Ideally we will meet at the same time every week. However I am flexible in this as often people’s lives do not allow for it.
How long do I need to do therapy for?
This is different for everyone, depending on what you bring and what your goals are. Some people have something specific to look at and this may be more short-term work. We will regularly review whether you are finding sessions helpful and decide together how best to move forward.
How do I end counselling?
You are completely free to end counselling at any time, However, planning an ending in advance allows us time to review what you’ve achieved, look at your internal and external support systems and make sure you leave feeling safe and confident about the future.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
People can sometimes be confused by the difference between counselling and psychotherapy. Essentially they are both umbrella terms for ‘talking therapy’; a space where you will be heard and listened to.
Counselling is often referred to for shorter-term or ‘time-limited’ work and is often looking at something specific that you are wanting to explore. It can help improve our wellbeing, alleviate stress and empower us to make decisions and changes in our lives.
Psychotherapy is usually a longer, more in-depth journey of self-discovery. We may take a deeper look into your past experiences, current situation and your future goals. We may also explore early relationships and how they shaped the way you see the world and those within it today.
The aim of both therapies is to learn about ourselves, to take time to focus on our needs and work towards a desired outcome in order to live a more authentic, fulfilling life.