FAQ

Counselling is a professional service where trained therapists help individuals navigate personal challenges, emotional difficulties, and mental health issues. It involves a collaborative process where the counsellor and client work together to understand and address the client's concerns.

Here's a brief overview of how counselling works:

1. Initial Assessment: The counsellor gathers information about the client's background, current issues, and goals.
2. Setting Goals: Together, they establish specific, achievable goals for therapy.
3. Therapeutic Techniques: The counsellor uses various techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), talk therapy, or mindfulness, tailored to the client's needs. My approach is pluralistic and uses a combination of techniques to suit clients.
4. Regular Sessions: Counselling typically involves regular sessions, where progress is reviewed and strategies are adjusted.
5. Confidentiality: All sessions are confidential, creating a safe space for the client to express themselves.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to help individuals achieve a heightened state of focus and relaxation. During hypnotherapy, a trained therapist guides the person into a trance-like state, where they are more open to suggestions and can explore thoughts, feelings, and memories that might be hidden from their conscious mind.

This method can be used to address various issues, such as:

• Anxiety and stress
• Chronic pain
• Phobias
• Sleep disorders
• Addictions

Hypnotherapy aims to help individuals make positive changes in their lives by tapping into the subconscious mind. Have you ever considered trying hypnotherapy or are you curious about how it works? If so please get in touch!

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is a method used to help individuals manage and overcome various mental health issues and emotional difficulties. It involves structured conversations between a trained therapist and a client, aiming to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve overall well-being.

There are several types of psychotherapy, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand current behaviour.
• Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses interpersonal issues and aims to improve communication and relationships.

Psychotherapy and counselling are both forms of mental health support, but they differ in several key ways:

Counselling

• Focus: Typically short-term and goal-oriented, addressing specific issues such as stress, relationship problems, or career difficulties.
• Approach: Practical and present-focused, offering advice and strategies to manage immediate challenges.
• Duration: Usually lasts for a few weeks to several months.
• Practitioners: Can be provided by various professionals, including trained counsellors, social workers, and sometimes psychotherapists.

Psychotherapy

• Focus: More intensive and long-term, exploring deeper psychological issues often rooted in past experiences.
• Approach: Involves uncovering unconscious thoughts and patterns, aiming for profound personal insight and emotional healing.
• Duration: Can continue for several years, either continuously or intermittently.
• Practitioners: Conducted by professionals with specialized training, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed psychotherapists

The number of counselling sessions needed for effectiveness can vary based on several factors, including the nature and severity of the issue being addressed. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Acute issues: For more immediate or less severe problems, 6 to 8 sessions are often effective
• Chronic conditions: More persistent or complex issues typically require 14 or more sessions
• General average: Research suggests that 15 to 20 sessions are needed for about 50% of patients to experience significant improvement

Your first counselling session can be a mix of emotions, but knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety. Here are some things you might experience:

1. Introduction and Rapport Building: The counsellor will introduce themselves and explain their role. They'll likely ask you about your background and what brings you to counselling.
2. Confidentiality: The counsellor will explain the confidentiality policy, including any exceptions (like if there's a risk of harm to yourself or others).
3. Assessment: You'll discuss your current situation, feelings, and any specific issues you're facing. This helps the counsellor understand your needs and how they can best support you.
4. Goal Setting: Together, you'll set some initial goals for what you hope to achieve through counselling. These goals can evolve over time.
5. Questions and Concerns: Feel free to ask any questions you have about the process. The counsellor is there to help you feel comfortable and informed.
6. Next Steps: You'll discuss the frequency of future sessions and any homework or strategies to try before your next meeting if working with CBT.

Cancellation Policy for Counselling Sessions

1. Commitment to Attend: Clients are expected to attend therapy sessions at their agreed-upon appointment times.
2. Notice Period: A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for rescheduling or cancelling an appointment. This allows us to offer the time slot to another client in need.
3. Late Cancellations and No-Shows: If a session is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or if a client does not show up for their appointment, a fee of £50 will be charged. This fee is necessary to compensate for the reserved time that could not be filled.
4. Exceptions: The cancellation fee may be waived in cases of serious illness, emergencies, or extreme weather conditions. Clients are encouraged to communicate any such circumstances as soon as possible.
5. Frequent Cancellations: Frequent cancellations (three or more within six months) may result in the termination of treatment. Consistency is crucial for effective therapy, and frequent cancellations can disrupt the therapeutic process.
6. Rescheduling: Clients are allowed to reschedule their appointments if they provide more than 24 hours' notice. Rescheduled sessions should be booked within the same week whenever possible.
7. Communication: Clients can cancel or reschedule appointments by calling the office or sending an email. Voicemails and emails are time-stamped and will be considered valid forms of communication.