There are a few common questions about counselling, so let's take a look...

 

• What is counselling? Counselling is an opportunity for you to talk to a trained professional about your feelings, thoughts and situations that may be causing you difficulty. It's a safe, confidential space where you have someone to talk to who is not going to judge you, or tell you what to do. It can be helpful to think of counselling being the place where you unload all your troubles with someone who is trained to help you manage them, by asking thoughtful and reflective questions, that may enable you to think about things differently, find new healthy coping mechanisms, or make big internal or external changes in your life that you feel you need support through. 

 

• What information do you need from me? I take your name, address, GP details, general idea of what you're looking for from counselling and an emergency contact of your choice. 

 

• What do you do with my information? Your information is confidential and kept safe and secure under GDPR guidelines. Policies around confidentiality can be made available to you at your request. 

 

• I'm a bit anxious and not sure if counselling is for me? That's perfectly normal. Everyone gets anxious, but in my experience they're usually fine by the end of the first session. You also have the opportunity to have a free 20 minute chat with me before deciding to move forward with counselling. If you're not ready right now, that's okay to. You can always come back at a later date should you want to. 

 

• What if I've been abused and never told anyone before - will you make me? No. As an adult is up to you whether you want to tell anyone else, or report to the police. I will never put you under any pressure to do so and if you would like further signposting to services that can provide support, other than counselling I can do this. No one has the right to tell you how to respond to abuse. 

 

• Do you offer concessionary rates for those on a low income? Yes, I do. I recognise that counselling can feel like a privilege not everyone can afford, so I do have some concessionary slots available. Please get in touch and let us have a chat about what is affordable for you. 

 

                                  There is no such thing as a silly question, so feel free to ask anything I haven't covered here.