During our first session, after explaining the limits of confidentiality, I give you the space to use the session for counselling for about 40 of the 50 minutes.  This means that I invite you to use the time in whatever way you wish in order to get a ‘taste’ for how counselling with me may be.  Some people like to ask questions, which I am always happy to answer.  Others are so overwhelmed by feelings they may be gushing to get things out.  Many will begin by telling me what brings them to see me and what they hope to get from counselling.

 

I see my role as trying to help you to express whatever is on your mind or troubling you and to help you to see things more clearly.  My concern is to really understand how life is for you and to be with you as you discover more of yourself and begin to make changes.

 

In the final ten minutes we will jointly discuss whether we believe counselling with me could help you. If you wish to see me again we will then agree on a weekly time, day and fees.  Most clients see me once a week for 50 minutes.  However this is not set in stone and alternative arrangements can be negotiated.

 

Every client is an individual and therefore how the therapy proceeds will be individual too.  I work with what you bring and what you feel you need from therapy.

 

I receive supervision for counselling in accordance with the BACP Code of Ethics.  This means my supervisor(s) and I discusses my clients anonymously in order to ensure I am helping you in the best way and do not have ‘blind spots’.

 

 

 

Number of sessions:

 

The number of sessions you come for is up to you. Some people find they require only a few sessions, sometimes only one; people with more deep-rooted issues may remain in counselling for many months or even years.  I will only terminate the counselling, after a full discussion with you,  if I truly believe it is not in your best interests to continue for some reason.  I would always try to refer you on to a more appropriate source of help should that be necessary. 

 

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.