What happens in the first session?

The first session is a taster, meaning that the aim of this session is to meet each other and decide whether to work together or not. I will be interested in hearing why you have come and what you would like to get out of counselling. You will be able to ask me any questions you have. I will also ask you some questions so that together, we can build a picture of you, your life and where you want to be. If we decide to work together then we will also discuss the practical arrangements and agree a way of working together.

What happens in following counselling sessions?

Counselling sessions offer you a safe space in which to talk about anything you want. You choose the subject(s) and how far you want to look at them. I will ask you questions, reflect back and together we explore what is happening and what you are thinking and feeling. I will try to fully understand your experiences, providing empathy and support without judgement. Through this process we will look at your concerns and discover new possibilities. People sometimes feel unsure about what they want from the sessions whilst others have a specific topic to discuss. These are both valid starting points for exploring.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no set answer to this as every person has different concerns and needs. People sometimes prefer short term counselling (between 6 and 12 sessions) whilst others prefer to have ongoing support and continue for longer e.g. several months/years. When working together we will review our work on a regular, ongoing basis to ensure that your needs are being met and check how long you wish to continue for or not.

Is it possible to be flexible with the session times/dates?

Sessions are weekly, at the same time and day ensuring that we both make a commitment to the work. It can sometimes be tempting to find a reason to miss a session when working through uncomfortable feelings, or simply due to juggling a busy life. However by agreeing to a weekly commitment it is possible to ensure that there is ongoing support, rather than leaving ‘unfinished business’.

If you need to reschedule a session ( due to e.g. a forthcoming holiday) then we will try and find another suitable time for us both and agree this together. If you miss or cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice, the full fee is still required.

How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?

Counselling is a relationship between two people, therefore as in other life situations there are some people you work with better than others. When looking for a counsellor it is recommended that you check that they have the relevant qualifications and are a member of a professional organisation. Then, the ‘right counsellor for you’ is down to your personal choice and is someone you feel comfortable working with.

I am a qualified, experienced counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (see about me for further details). We can meet for the first session whilst you consider whether I am the right counsellor for you, without any obligation to continue.

Are the sessions confidential?

I offer all clients the highest level of confidentiality consistent with the law and codes of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means that the sessions, and anything said during the sessions, will remain secret with some exceptions. Confidentiality is discussed at the beginning of our work.

How can counselling help me?

The best answer to this question is come along and find out how you feel counselling can benefit you, as everyone’s experience is different. From my personal experience (both with clients and as a client) I have found counselling helpful in numerous ways, e.g. providing support in difficult and vulnerable times, exploring confusion in order to gain clarity, coping with difficult emotions and discovering new possibilities in a non-judgemental environment. This may mean that you feel more comfortable/confident in yourself, have a more fulfilled, balanced life and better relationships.

Counselling is about finding the most positive and meaningful way for you to live your life.

What's Gestalt?

There are different approaches and theories in counselling; Gestalt being one of them and the approach that I use. It is not necessary to understand the different approaches in counselling in order to work with a counsellor. What is important is that you feel comfortable with the person you are working with and are getting what you want from the sessions.

Gestalt is a German word which roughly translated means ‘whole’. Counselling sessions with me are holistic, working with your whole experience - what you are thinking, feeling and sensing. A focus of the sessions will be on the ‘here and now’; what is happening in the present. Together we will look at your experiences and and how you make sense of them, and if appropriate explore other possibilities and ‘ways of being’. We may look at ‘unfinished business’ and how this is affecting your current life – anything from the past that is bothering you today and how you can resolve it for yourself. As a Gestalt counsellor I may suggest some creative ways of working, for example drawing, opening up a dream, looking at body movements, writing a letter etc. There may also be the opportunity to explore different parts of yourself by moving and talking from different positions or to explore your relationships with other people in a similar way. It is important to remember that this will only take place if you want it to; some clients prefer not to. My focus is on listening to you, understanding you and providing support.

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