How do I know if I need counselling?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, the chances are that counselling can be of help to you…
- I often feel low
- I have trouble concentrating and getting things done
- I feel anxious
- My relationships are suffering
- I often feel overwhelmed
- I just don’t seem to have any motivation
- I don’t have any balance in my life
- My job is affected
- Things are not how I would like them to be
- I need help
- I would like someone to listen to me
- I have thoughts or behaviours I can’t control
What can counselling help with?
Counselling can help with a variety of issues, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety or depression
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional problems
- Relationship difficulties
- Family / marital crises
- Work-related problems
- Bereavement
- Personal development
- Identity Issues
- Obsessive Thoughts or Behaviours, including OCD
How will I benefit from counselling?
The counselling relationship is unique, you are accepted for who you are. Counselling helps identify problems or concerns you have and how they affect your life. It also offers a supportive relationship in times of crisis and provides a safe place to express suppressed emotions. It can stop patterns of undesired thinking or behaviour and helps with the development of a positive outlook and a healthier lifestyle. Many people not only resolve their immediate concerns, but also learn useful skills that can be taken away and used in many situations.
Counselling is also about your future and can help build self-esteem, allowing you to discuss goals, dreams, hopes and expectations that you have for your life and identify your strengths to build on these – allowing you to move towards the life you really want.
What is your approach to Counselling?
I am an integrative counsellor, which means that I use theories from various different counselling models to suit the person I am counselling.
My aim is to help you to find a resolution to your issues that suits you, your values and your way of life. This is done by working with you, by listening, prompting and helping you to clarify the difficulties you are facing, and where appropriate, looking at the options you have. This is with a view to help you to see your own situation more clearly so that you can let go of the past or make decisions about what you want to do, or how you want to do it.
What can I expect on my first session?
In the first meeting, you will be able to talk freely and in confidence about what is troubling you; we will explore your present situation, needs and any concerns you might have about therapy. We will also look at what you hope to achieve by coming to counselling and what you can expect from me. It also gives us chance to decide whether or not we would like to work together, if you feel comfortable with me and if I feel I can help you.
What is needed for counselling to work?
Although it is helpful to know why you are coming, you do not need to come with a set agenda. It is your time to talk about whatever you want, and this may vary from session to session. It is however, important that you have a willingness to explore your feelings and experiences.
You may occasionally feel reluctant to attend a session or to continue with counselling; however, these times are a very important phase of the counselling process. They are often the times when there is potential for change – maybe to break out of old negative patterns of behaviour or work through difficult feelings to get a greater understanding or acceptance of them.
Why not just talk to friends?
- Many of the benefits of therapy can also be achieved by talking to friends; however, there are also downsides, for example:
- Friends are often unable to just listen and will often want to give advice, tell you what to do or simply try to solve your “problems”.
- Friends sometimes find it difficult to keep things confidential, particularly if they are involved or know anyone you talk about.
- It might be difficult for friends not to get upset by what they hear and that can add to your pain or anguish.
- It can also be quite draining on friends, particularly if you need a lot of support or they have their own problems.
How many sessions will I need?
It is impossible to say how many sessions someone will need as everyone is different and one client might be happy with just a few sessions whereas other may prefer a long process. A specific problem may take only a few weekly sessions while deep-rooted problems or feelings that have been carried for a long time, may need longer.
Either way, counselling is very much centered upon the needs of the client and they decide for themselves when they are ready to stop the counselling process. My door is however always open and some clients choose to take a break knowing they can return to at any time.
How much does a session cost?
Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £50.
What do I do next?
If you have any further questions or would like to book an appointment please call 01474 740724.