Frequently Asked Questions
What is Counselling
Counselling is a service that provides a safe, confidential and supportive
environment where a person experiencing distress can come and seek some relief by talking about their situation. Working through feelings and emotions and being really understood can help a person understand things more clearly. The process of counselling itself usually involves some changes for the person. This could be a change in the way that they perceive or feel about themselves or things around them. It may also help to change unwanted thoughts, feelings and behaviour. A person can develop new strategies for living and become more self-aware, self-accepting and self-directed. The duration of counselling support is
dependent upon individual needs. Short term counselling can be a very effective way for some people to explore their concerns and find a few sessions enough to enable them to start making positive and effective changes to their lives. Longer-term therapy provides a safe environment to explore and work through more complex or enduring issues.
Why Have Counselling?
People access counselling for all sorts of reasons. Usually, however the person is experiencing issues as a result of some form of distress. This can be ‘emotional’ or ‘psychological’ distress and is usually related to one or more of the following: - anxiety/stress; low self-esteem; physical pain or injury; bereavement; depression; relationship issues; ability to cope with home and/or work; illness; trauma; personal identity; transitional
issues and depression. A therapist can help you come to terms with the situation you face and develop new ways of thinking about your problems.
What does "person-centred" counselling mean?
The counselling approach I use is called the Person-Centred Approach (PCA) and is widely accepted as an effective therapy. PCA holds that we are each driven to do the best for ourselves, no matter what environment we find ourselves in or what problems we are experiencing. The approach believes that feeling heard and really understood can help a
person to find their own solutions and to find answers that are right for them.
What to expect from your first session.
There will be an initial assessment meeting where we can discuss how best to help you. I will ask you about yourself, your current situation and your reasons for coming for counselling. This is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have about the counselling process. The information gathered during this session is helpful for the assessment of your requirements in order to develop an individual plan. The plan may involve talking through past and current concerns, the teaching of relaxation techniques, introduction of mindfulness practices, building new coping skills, making changes that address anxiety or depression that may affect other areas of your life, pain management, self care programs and sleep hygiene. We will then agree upon the frequency and duration for future appointments. The counselling process maybe as long or as short as is necessary for you to feel satisfied in the services you have received and ready to move on independently. Counselling sessions are usually one hour long and are held on a weekly or fortnightly basis to suit your requirements. solutions and to find answers that are right for them.
