Often clients have thought long and hard before contacting a counsellor. It is a big decision and requires commitment from both the counsellor and the client. Counselling is a personal process and the relationship formed between client and counsellor is unique. Developing a good relationship is paramount as it means that the counselling has a higher chance of success. Hence, I will aim to make you feel as comfortable and safe as possible.
Initial contact is normally made by email or telephone. You may have questions that you need to ask before you commit yourself to the counselling and I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
I can offer either a time limited contract or an open ended one. Time limited work means that we agree how long we will work together at the outset (normally between 6 – 16 sessions). This works best if there is a specific issue that you need help with. An open ended contract means that we will decide together when to end the counselling (the client often knows when the time is right) and this allows for deeper changes to be made and facilitates a greater understanding of self.
The first session will last for one hour, all subsequent sessions will last for 50 minutes. I am likely to ask more questions than usual in the first session in order to get to know you. It will also give you an opportunity to see how you feel about working with me and to discover if counselling is the right option for you at this time.
I normally see clients on a weekly basis and during the first session we will decide when we are to meet. I normally see people at the same time on the same day but appreciate that this is not always possible due to work commitments.