ABOUT THERAPY

Part and parcel of being a human being means that we all experience a wide variety of life events and feelings. For example you may experience:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Bereavement or loss
• A life crisis
• Change
• Relationship problems

When trying to deal with these sorts of feelings or life events it can be distressing and frightening and can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control.

Often we can deal with these difficulties and challenges on our own or with the help and support of friends and family. However, there are times when counselling may help.

Counselling is a process which helps a person look at their personal problems, to help them understand them and arrive at some decisions about what to do about them. It is not advice giving. As a counsellor I am trained to listen accurately to your concerns in a supportive and accepting way, helping you to develop insight into your problems. My aim is to enable you to develop your own coping skills and strategies using your own resources.

To be successful counselling is very dependent on trust and confidentiality. As a counsellor I am a professional and I am a member of a professional counselling body and abide by their strict code of ethics. Counselling is undertaken in a safe and confidential setting. If at any time it became apparent that you were a danger to yourself or others it may be necessary to break confidentiality after discussion with yourself as far as practicable.

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long. Are usually at weekly intervals and the number of sessions negotiated with the client.

The first appointment is always an assessment session. This is to ensure that counselling will be beneficial to you and that you feel comfortable entering into a therapeutic relationship.