Is counselling or therapy right for me?
In practical terms there is a considerable overlap between the experience of counselling and that of therapy. The reasons for accessing either are similar: sometimes it is to deal with longstanding psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life, such as bereavement, divorce or patterns of work. Both counselling and therapy aim to help provide insight, support and new strategies for managing life’s challenges.
Counselling offers time and space to freely explore issues or areas of difficulty. It may be brief or open-ended according to what you choose and what feels most helpful. This type of work tends to be preferred by those would wish to set the pace of the therapeutic work for themselves.
Therapy/ CAT tends to offer a more focussed and intensive therapy, where the length of the therapy may be decided at the outset of the work.
Would counselling help me when I can usually handle my problems?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life and while you may have sucessfully navigated through other difficulties you faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Successful therapy provides long lasting benefits and support by giving you the tools you need to help you manage better the inevitable challenges that you face in life.
Confidentiality and its limits
Counselling is confidential and only works if it is so. So your privacy will be respected at all times, unless it is apparent that you are likely to hurt yourself or another person or you disclose information about children or other vulnerable people being abused or at risk. In such cases I would reserve the right to make an exception and consider passing on relevant information to third parties. I would make every effort to reach an agreement with you about the best way forward that would protect those concerned.
How much will it cost?
At present my fees range from £55 to £70 per 50 minute session, which is payable on the day. Fees are reviewed annually and one month’s notice is given for any increase.
I reserve the right to charge a full fee for cancellation, unless we can agree to negotiate another time within the same week. If you make no contact and fail to attend, I would also expect to charge the full fee.
If I have to cancel a session I will, wherever possible, offer you an altermative appointment.
What happens at the first appointment?
This is an opportunity for you to say what is causing you difficulty and what you would like to be different. You may already have an idea of what you would like from counselling or you may want help identifying what you want to work on or what you would like to change. We would also begin to think about how best to work on your problems.
