Individual Counselling

Introduction for Individual Counselling

Why Counselling ?

It can happen in life to feel overwhelmed, like everything is on top of you, and to lose touch with inner feelings and emotions​.

Sometimes communications with others can be difficult.

There could be times when life is stressful and unmanageable.

Talking to a professionally trained counsellor in a confidential environment about any difficulties you might be experiencing could bring relief.

Throughout Counselling it is possible to gain a better understanding of yourself and the difficulties you are facing.

Counselling can also help define specific goals and objectives in any area of your life.

Counselling is a unique process for each individual.

Everyone at some stage in their life will meet periods of stress, confusion and sadness.

Sometimes these circumstances can be severe and very traumatic for the individual and interfere with living.

At other times we can feel dissatisfaction and frustration with life. Counselling can help you make sense of what it is happening to you at difficult time of your life.

You may worry that your problems are small in comparison to some people’s. Your problem is as big as the feeling you have about it therefore it is important not to minimise it or ignore it.

What is Counselling ?

Counselling is a therapeutic process where inner worries, long term difficulties and on-going issues are disclosed to a fully trained Professional.

A Counsellor is someone who acknowledges your problems and helps you work towards reaching alternative solutions. The role of the counsellor is to listen attentively and without judgment to the material you bring to therapy, in order to facilitate inner exploration​​.

Counselling provides the opportunity to explore any concerns or difficulties that you may be experiencing in your life in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment. It is not advice giving.

Counselling enhance self-awareness and the ability to acquire greater understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Counselling can help build your self-confidence and become more aware of the choices you make.

How it works ?

Usually a counselling session takes place once a week, with the same counsellor, and lasts 50 minutes.

We provide weekly individual, face to face contact, online and telephone counselling for either short term or long term counselling work.

The first meeting aims to clarify what has brought you to counselling and what to expect from it. At the end of the first meeting, a mutual agreement is made between the client and the counsellor.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed in counselling is kept confidential.

However, in order to constantly enhance the quality of our work, the therapeutic work will be discussed with a clinical supervisor from time to time where necessary. This is done without identifying details to protect your confidentiality​​.

Confidentiality is only breached if appears that your life or someone else’s life is at serious risk. Under those circumstances your counsellor will inform you of the necessary steps to take to ensure safety.

Fees

We charge on a sliding scale for a session. We understand that financing may be difficult for some. Please contact us if you desire help and can demonstrate limited financial means. Special rates or session times may be available. We provide an initial 15 minutes telephone assessment free of charge.

Individual Counselling Services We Offer to Address

- Mood issues/depression & anxiety
- Anger management
- Grief/bereavement
- Trauma
- Personal growth & development
- Stresses from work or interpersonal relationship issues

FAQ About Counselling

1. How often do I have to see a counsellor?

Sessions take place once a week on the same day at the same time. Generally, once the day and time has been agreed, there is minimal amendment to the session. Each session lasts 50 minutes. The number of sessions will depend on the type of difficulties brought by the client and will be discussed in advance. In order to work effectively with emotional difficulties it is important to meet regularly.

2. How long do I have to see a counsellor?

We offer both short –term and long-term therapy. It is very common for people who seek counselling to experience difficulties in identifying a specific problem, but knowing that underlying emotional patterns need to be addressed. In this case, a longer period of time can be considered and discussed. Both short-term and long-term work are regularly reviewed with the client.

3. What if I miss or cancel a session?

The decision to attend counselling is a mutual commitment by both the counsellor and the client. The client commits to be present for each session at the agreed time and we will not offer the space to any other client, therefore the same reciprocity from the client is expected. Missed sessions and cancellations with less than 24 days notice will be charged at a full fee. Holidays and breaks will be discussed well in advance.

4. What if I am running late for a session?

If you are running late you can either phone, text or email your counsellor. However I will not be able to make up for the time lost as this will impact on my next counselling appoitment with another client.

5. What about online counselling?

We provide 15 minutes of free phone consultation prior to our meeting. Counselling is generally more effective if is done face to face.

6. How much does it costs?

We charge on a sliding scale for a session. Concession fees are available if a proof of benefit is provided. Payment is made by cash each week in the session.