General Info
The counselling session usually lasts for 50 mins. Other therapy such as EMDR or stopping smoking with Hypnotherapy, may take up to 90 mins. It is the client who decides what it is they want to deal with and how they wish to do it, after discussing options with the therapist in this safe environment.
Usually,
when the client comes to see the counsellor they will already have in their
mind what it is they wish to 'put on the table'. However this may take a different
turn and whatever comes into his or her mind at the time of the session can
be explored with the counsellor.
Sometimes the client may find it difficult to express their concerns or to
decide where they want to start. Sometimes people see counsellors for personal
development and do not know immediately of any issues which they wish to work
on. In either of these cases, one word or sign is all that is required and
remember that your counsellor is there to help you feel at ease. You dont need
to worry about if you should stutter or cry, this is a safe place for you where
you will not feel 'judged'.
The counsellor's
role is to be nonjudgmental and empathic and is there to help
the client explore their own mind, rather than being clouded
with the ideas of the counsellor.
This method is known as client or person-centred counselling and
it is based on the idea that it is the client who 'at the end of the day' knows
and decides what is best for themselves.
We can always get points of view from our friends, family and others and so
when we come to see a counsellor it is refreshing to be 'given a mirror' so
that we can explore our own mind about things.
A rapport between the client and the counsellor develops over regular sessions, this is known as the 'therapeutic relationship'. A number of different issues could be explored during this time.
Occasionally people come for one session only but more usually they apply themselves for a set number of regular weekly sessions to gain the most benefit from the therapy. Quite often only 5 or 6 sessions are required before the client feels complete in what they have gained from counselling, Ofcourse this depends upon the issue and also how far the client wants to 'move forward'. A Counselling Review would be taken after six weeks or so, to discuss how things are going and what, if anything, the client would like to 'look at' further.
Sometimes
the client may want to see the counsellor regularly for a year or two. Lengthy
counselling terms are only continued
on the basis that the client is 'moving on' and gaining value from the sessions,
if this is the case then it is encouraged.
The whole idea is to empower the client to ascertain what they want out of life,
what they want to put into it and how they wish to relate with others.
Fees generally range between £50 and £180 depending on therapy and location. Please call or email to enquire by specifying what you may be wanting, ie. Counselling, Life Coaching, EMDR etc. Please give your geographical location, what times you prefer and what times you are not available and also a bit about your situation, if you should wish to. There would be no obligation to go ahead of course.
All sessions are completely confidential
(Apart from the rare situation of when a disclosure may be in the best interests of those concerned. In such cases your counsellor would advise)