What is Counselling?

Counselling sessions can take place face to face, over the telephone, or online. It is best to have regular sessions to begin with, which last for 50 minutes. Meeting reguarly at first is best to build the therapuetic relationship, which is considered by research as the most important aspect of anyones therapuetic journey. How often you have counselling after that can be agreed between counsellor and client and will depend on individual circumstances.

During a session, I will work with what you bring. This often starts with a number of sessions outlining everything that’s going on for at that time and establishig what the problem is. It is helpful to have a goal for therapy, you may not know what this is to start with, but you might establish one over time. you could bring any of the following to therapy:

• your relationships

• your childhood

• your feelings, emotions or thoughts

• your reactions to people and events

• past and present life events

• situations you find difficult

I remain impartial but understanding and will listen to you without judgment and help you explore your thoughts and emotions. I will use psychoeducation, which is deisgned to inform you and help you understand what you are experiencing from a neuroscience or behavioural view, but I won’t tell you what you should think or do.

I will not give you opinions or advice or prescribe medication. I will help you find your own solutions – whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding ways of coping with your problems. I may refer you to the GP for any further help if there are probelms that arise that are out of my experience or competency.

What to expect in your first session with me

Introductions
First, I will spend a few minutes introducing myself and explaining how I work. You can ask me about my qualifications and experience, your therapy or anything you’re not sure about. I will ask you some questions about counselling and what you are hoping for.

• Assessment
  If you have not already completed the online assessment form when you booked. I will ask you why you have come for counselling, specifically, why now? I may also ask for a history of the problems you’re experiencing. We might complete some questionaires to help gather some more information. It’s important that you feel you’ve had the opportunity to tell me about what’s troubling you. So this will be prioritised.
  

• Contracting
  I will agree the terms, or contract with you, about how they will provide their services. I will send a contract to your email, prior to our first session for you to look over and sign. We will cover this verbally in the first session also. This is very important for laying the foundations from which we will work together. If you have any questions or concerns about this, you can ask at any point throughout our time together.

This first session is a chance to see if you feel comfortable working with me. You don’t have to continue with me if you can’t relate or don’t feel safe.

How to get the most out of counselling

You’ll get the best results from your counselling if you’re open and honest with your therapist and say how you’re really feeling.

Your working relationship with your therapist is very important. If you’re to work effectively together, you should feel safe and able to take risks by disclosing and discussing sensitive issues. That includes being able to give them honest feedback on how you feel about your therapy and how you’re working together.

If you’re unsure about your therapist or their approach (CBT, Person-Centred), you can look for another one, who uses a modality that you feel is better suited to you.

Overall, counselling should help you process difficult thoughts, feelings and memories. Whilst it will be uncomfortable at time, not every session is tears and struggle. Some sessions will be laughter and growth!