QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Is counselling right for me?

You might be feeling a little daunted by the idea of counselling and by taking some action in this way. I want to reassure you that considering counselling takes courage and can be a real turning point. It's a way of acknowledging that you matter and that you are willing to explore the possibility that life could be better than it is right now.

You may be concerned that your issues aren't 'big enough' to need counselling. Counselling is for anyone who feels they need some time, space and support . You might be feeling depressed, anxious and finding everyday life a struggle. You might have a specific problem that you feel you need to work through. You might have a feeling that life just doesn't feel right and isn't how you want it to be. You might, at this stage, not know what it is you feel and need to make sense of it all.

Perhaps it is time for you to feel important and to be seen, heard and validated.

Is counselling confidential?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of what makes counselling different from other relationships. No one else needs to know that you are having counselling. What is spoken about in sessions is safe, private and confidential.

We can discuss what confidentiality means when we meet. I do take some notes for my own process to support our work together. These are private (although you have the right to see them) and are password protected.

I am registered with the professional body BACP and I am working towards accreditation. This means that I continue to meet the standards of training and experience required by the organisation. I follow the Code of Ethics outlined by the BACP.

I attend regular Supervision where I process and reflect on my work. I am committed to on-going professional development.

What about Accessibility and Diversity?

I have some concessionary spaces for those on a lower income.

The building in BS15 has wheelchair access and facilities.
I also offer online counselling should meeting in person be difficult.

I am LGBTQ+ friendly and welcome clients of all genders aged 18 and over.

How long would I attend counselling for?

Counselling can be shorter term for an agreed number of sessions. It can also be more open ended where we work together in the longer term until you feel ready to end.

I work with clients at a regular time each week. This creates a secure routine to the work we do together.

So what's the next step?

You are in control of this process. Beginning therapy starts by allowing me to provide a safe space and support as you begin to explore the things that might be causing your life to feel out of balance.

I offer a free 30-minute initial meeting in which you can decide if you would like to go forward with counselling. To make contact, simply email or call and leave a message. I will aim to respond within 24 hours.