Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Do I need to do anything before my first session?
I will send you a confirmation email which gives you all the details of the address and how to find it. Attached to this will be a copy of my counselling contract for you to read through prior to the session, you don’t need to sign it as we cover this in the first session it just gives you more time to read it. If you have any questions about anything you can ask them in the session.
Q) What will happen in my first session?
In your first session we will discuss what it is you feel you need help with, and I will tell you a little bit more about the way I work. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important, therefore the first session is also for us to get to know each other. You need to feel at ease with me and that you can trust me. Ultimately you need to feel as comfortable as possible to potentially explore what is uncomfortable in your life.
Remember it is natural to feel apprehensive and maybe a little nervous, I remember my first therapy session well! Remember you are very welcome and will be accepted as you are.
Q) How many sessions will I need?
This is a really hard question to answer as it really depends on the individual. I have had clients who had 4 sessions and others who have had many more sessions over many months. We will discuss this in your first session and regularly review it along with the frequency between sessions which also varies from client to client.
Q) Will you give me advice?
No, counselling is not about advising you what to do or giving you an answer. I firmly believe the answers are within every client I see, they just aren’t aware of it. The discussions we have within the session will help you to understand yourself and your situation better. I can help you look at the different options you have and help you to find the right path for you.
Q) Will I get homework between sessions?
No, this is mainly a characteristic of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and this is not my main model of therapy. I may recommend books or useful websites from time to time but it is entirely up to you if you access these.
Q) Do we just talk?
The main part of the session will involve us just talking but I have various resources and tools that I can use as part of tailoring the sessions to you. When working with children and young people I have lots of games, art resources, air drying clay and creative resources. I also have worksheets, stones and shells and other creative materials that can be useful.
Q) How do online sessions work?
If you have chosen to conduct your session online I will send you a link for either Google Meet or a platform called Whereby on the Monday before your session. The platforms are both encrypted and therefore safe and secure you can join the link from a phone, tablet or laptop at the pre-arranged time.
I would suggest you find a quiet area where you are not likely to be disturbed or overheard. It is also worth having some tissues or a glass of water with you just in case you need it.
Q) It says counsellors have Counselling Supervision, what is that?
You may have heard of counselling supervision but are not really sure what it is. The British Association of Counselling (BACP) describes supervision as:
"A specialised form of mentoring provided for practitioners responsible for undertaking challenging work with people. Supervision is provided to ensure standards, enhance quality, advance learning, stimulate creativity, and support the sustainability and resilience of the work being undertaken."
Supervision is something that all counsellors should engage in. I have regular supervision which offers me a reflective space in which to develop my practice and therefore benefits my clients by ensuring their safety in terms of my ethical practice.
If you have any further questions not covered here then please contact me and just ask, remember there is no such thing as a silly question especially if it is important for you to know the answer.