Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is counselling?

Counselling is a skilled process which enables clients to explore problematic areas, difficulties and concerns. Counsellors are trained to work in a variety of ways so that the necessary skills are applied exactly where they are needed. Some clients find that they have no presenting or significant problem, but that they just want to feel "listened to" and understood, having the space to share or work through their thoughts and feelings. Counselling gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about what is troubling you with a qualified professional. You will gain a clearer understanding of what is happening to you, and will be assisted in identifying the choices available to you. You will learn skills that will help you to take responsibility for your own life, choices and decisions. This will lead to a happier and more confident lifestyle. Counselling essentially aims to help clients to work towards more satisfying and resourceful lives, by taking control of their own lives and decisions. The client chooses what they want to work on, and is empowered to make their own decisions and choices. An honest, trusting and supportive relationship between counsellor and client is essential for the counselling process, but the client is in control of what he/she reveals to the counsellor. Counselling is a non-judgmental environment, where clients are respected for who they are, whatever their ethnicity, beliefs, lifestyle, or sexual orientation.

2. What can counselling do for me?

Generally, the goal of counselling is to help people find solutions to problems, gain insights and understanding of themselves and others, develop options, explore values, express feelings, change behaviour, make choices, change relationships, or to become more fully alive.

3. How would I know if I could benefit from counselling?

If you are experiencing or feeling ongoing anger, depression, co-dependency, alcohol and/or drug dependency, shame, denial, anxiety, or other emotions or feelings that are causing you physical or emotional discomfort, you may benefit from talking with a Counsellor.

4. Is everything discussed with a Counsellor confidential?

It is essential that a client knows that what they talk about with there therapist will remain confidential. I work in accordance with the BACP Guidelines for Ethics and Good Practise There are however some limits to confidentiality. There are three exceptions: 1) A Counsellor is required by law to report child abuse, 2) Records can be subpoenaed by the Court or I may be called to testify, and 3) If your life or somebody else's life is in danger I must take actions to keep you, or them, safe.  Aside from these exceptions, issues discussed in counselling sessions remain confidential.

5. How many sessions are needed?

As stated by several famous psychotherapists, no one knows you better than you know yourself! Counselling is very much centered upon you, you will decide for yourself when you are ready to stop the counselling process. It depends a lot on your goals. It really is your choice - you will know when you are ready to leave.

6. How can I make counselling work for me?

You can help yourself by being committed to the counselling process - it often requires much effort and determination to work efficiently.  Although you can choose what you reveal in counselling, it is important that what you do disclose is as honest and accurate as possible, in order for me to gain a clear insight and understanding of your situation.

7. What should I know about my counsellor?

Clients should be satisfied that their counsellor is qualified, experienced, and that they adhere to a code of ethics.

8. How can counselling help me?

Counselling and/or therapy can help alleviate emotional pain and suffering. It can help you develop new skills to deal with the problems at hand. It can help increase your self-esteem. It can give you hope that there is a better way, or a way out. The only thing that it can't do is change you. You have to do that by yourself. You have to take the skills or new ideas and put them into practice in your life. Counselling will not help you unless you take what you have learned and put it into practice in the world.

9. Am I a suitable client for your practise?

I work with individuals and couples aged 18 and above.

10. What can I expect from a counsellor?

I subscribe to the values stated in the BACP ethical framework:

Excerpt from the framework: