"As above so below as within so without"
- Hermes Trismegistus
How many counselling sessions will I need?
This type of counselling is long-term as it involves work at depth and focuses on long term healing in getting to the root of the problem. The length of time needed differs depending on each individual and the frequency of sessions but it's not uncommon for this therapy to last months or years, particularly if working with trauma and complex issues. It can be used for shorter term counselling if a client wants to focus on a specific issue or problem where they have more awareness of what they need from the work.
How do I know if I need counselling?
Counselling allows you to have the confidential space to talk about your experiences and empty out your thoughts and feelings about anything you are struggling with in your life without the fear of being judged. If you are going through a difficult time or transition in your life, finding life circumstances overwhelming and are struggling to cope then counselling can help you through this period of your life.
How do I get the best out of counselling?
Regularly self-reflecting, journaling, being curious about your inner world, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in-between sessions will help you get the most out of the work. Journaling is a fantastic tool for enhancing your personal growth, recording your insights and will really help the counselling process. Using creativity and imagination (painting, drawing, writing poetry, crafting) is also very helpful as this is a great way to express your unconscious experiences, thoughts and feelings. Fostering self-care in-between sessions, particularly after sessions that have been emotionally challenging and difficult will really help you through the process.
What is self-care?
Learning about what you need to look after yourself and self-soothe during this process is an important part of your healing and is setting you up with an essential life skill that will help you cope better with life’s challenges. Journaling, cuddling up in a blanket, allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions, talking to a friend or family member, taking a break, creating boundaries, meditation, having a bath or an early night, listening to music, watching a film, reading, spending time in nature and exercise, are all examples of ways you can practice self-care. There are many more and it's important to find what is helpful for you as this is different for everyone.
How long are the counselling sessions?
The sessions are for one hour at the same time and day every week
Why are weekly counselling sessions important?
When starting counselling, regular weekly sessions are needed to build up the therapeutic relationship which is so essential for the counselling process and success of the work. Ongoing weekly sessions build trust, keep momentum going, create a stable, reliable and consistent space for meaningful work. They also help foster that feeling of safety which is needed to dive deep and explore the root causes of your issues in a gentle and supportive way. Making regular counselling sessions a priority shows your commitment to the work by honouring yourself and your healing process, and it sets you up for the best possible outcome in therapy.
Can I have a counselling session every two weeks?
Weekly sessions are needed particularly at the beginning of the work to build the therapeutic relationship. However, it may be possible to reduce down to a session every two weeks depending on your individual circumstances and what you need from the work. It is important to be aware that less frequent sessions are not suitable for everyone, particularly when working with deep trauma, and will make the counselling process longer.
When can I reduce the frequency of my counselling sessions?
As our work progresses and you see the positive change within yourself, feeling more confident/resilient, having built up your inner resources and can cope better with life's struggles/challenges, the frequency can then be reduced to facilitate the ending process.
Where do the counselling sessions take place?
The sessions take place over the telephone or via a video call in the comfort of your own home or in a quiet, private comfortable place where you are not going to be disturbed.
How can I help prepare for the counselling sessions?
Before the session it can be useful for you to write down some things that have been on your mind or what you have experienced in between sessions. It may be helpful to try to have a few minutes to yourself before the session to focus on your breathing and getting yourself comfortable - having water, tissues and a notebook to hand 😊
What if I feel too overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and apprehensive when starting therapy and symbolically it can feel like a tangled ball of wool struggling to separate and pull apart the chaos. However, when you have your first session, you will start somewhere and that is usually the most important issue for you at the time. Often many things come out during the first session, and this is ok, this is your opportunity to off load all your issues and concerns and is completely normal. I will always guide you and ask questions that will help you to start slowly unpick this ball of wool.
What do I need to know about the counselling process?
It’s important to recognise that the counselling journey is a process and is not linear. It is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, breakdowns and breakthroughs and obstacles to overcome. At times you may feel ‘stuck’ as though you aren’t moving forward, it is helpful to know this is normal and part of the process in working with the unconscious. We will be working together through any difficult and challenging times at your own pace and I will come alongside you, giving you a safe space cushioned with acceptance, empathy, compassion, and kindness.
Is Counselling confidential?
Yes, everything you say within the counselling session is completely confidential with the following exceptions;
- unless you disclose you are going to cause serious harm to yourself or another person
- If a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of immediate significant harm/abuse
- During the counsellor’s supervision session where the counselling process may be discussed, however, no personal details are disclosed and the client remains anonymous