WHAT IF YOU’RE NOT QUITE RIGHT FOR ME?

Choosing a counsellor that you feel comfortable with is important and a very personal decision. It is quite normal for clients to try a couple of different counsellors before settling in. I will not be offended if you feel like I am not the one for you and I would be happy to recommend other counsellors that might be a better fit for you.

I THINK I PROBABLY NEED TO GO TO TALK TO SOMEONE BUT THE THOUGHT TERRIFIES ME

This is completely natural and a very common feeling amongst clients. There are many people who have never experienced even one relationship where they feel safe enough to share their most vulnerable fears and insecurities. I will help you to feel as comfortable and supported as I can, and we will go at your pace. I will never push you to share any parts of yourself that you do not feel comfortable sharing.

WILL YOU SOLVE ALL MY PROBLEMS?

Sadly no. My role is to bring an extra torch so you can see your way a little clearer. The work is yours to do, but I will journey with you.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

This is entirely dependent on what you bring to counselling and what you are wanting to get out of it. Some issues can be quickly untangled with a fresh pair of eyes, some validation and a bit of psycho-education, while other issues may have built up over years, be very complex and require a slow and steady approach.

HOW FREQUENTLY WILL SESSIONS BE?

With individual sessions, it is completely up to what works best for you and your budget. Often it may be helpful to get some early momentum with weekly sessions and then reduce them later if required. The context of counselling is extremely important, so it can be common for counselling to ebb and flow, taking time off now and then to integrate growth, and come back to it later.

Will I need to talk about sensitive issues or subjects that make me feel vulnerable?

Most likely, yes, you may need to talk about difficult things depending on the issues and challenges you want to address. However, you will not be ‘pushed’ into sharing if you don’t want to. It does pay to remember though that counselling works best when you have the courage to share openly and honestly – I will not judge you! I just want to help and support you.

CAN I BRING A SUPPORT PERSON?

Absolutely. The whole process is all about making you feel safe and comfortable and if you feel like having a support person with you that is fine. Whatever it takes to help you. If this is the case, please approach me before the session in question.

How long will it take before I start to feel better about my life, relationships, self etc?

Most people say they begin to feel better just by starting the counselling process. Just taking that first step of talking freely with someone who’s neutral and non-judgemental, and who wants to, and is trained to help, often makes people feel better. Actually putting a timeframe on when you’ll finally ‘feel OK’ is for you to determine. It depends on a range of factors, but you should feel you are making progress after the first few sessions. But keeping in mind that healing is not linear.