01284 752845 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What qualifications do you have?

I have worked in the primary health care sector for 5 years and have experience of dealing with vulnerable people.  I have completed courses in Child Protection, Abuse, Dealing with Vulnerable People and Unisafe.

What organisations/governing bodies do you belong to?

What does integrative counselling mean?

Individuals think, feel and react in different ways and by integrating different theories; it can bring about change in their lives. An integrative Counsellor can work with each client to produce a unique therapy adapted to suit what that individual client needs. Below are some of the approaches that an integrative counsellor may use.

Person Centred Counselling offers a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor, in which the client can explore what they need and want, and how they can achieve their goals.

Psychodynamic Counselling works by bringing unconscious processes and emotions into consciousness; there is an emphasis on the influence of the past and on recurring patterns of behaviours and relationships.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works by examining the ways that thoughts, feelings and behaviours can affect each other, and how different aspects of these can be changed to solve specific problems.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no definitive answer to this although we will review regularly, every 6 to 8 sessions.  It also depends on the issues that you present with.

Do you have supervision?

As part of our ongoing development, Counsellors should have supervision on a regular basis. I have supervision every month with someone who is qualified as both a Counsellor and Supervisor and has a wide range of experience spanning over 30 years.

Are you CRB checked?

I am CRB checked, and this is available on request for you to see.

What about confidentiality?

The nature of the counselling sessions is strictly confidential between the Counsellor and the client. However, there are two exceptions;

How do I make an appointment?

You can contact me by telephone on 01284 752845 or e-mail me by clicking here. If I am not available as I am with a client, I have a 24 hour answer phone where you can leave me a message with your name and telephone number and I will contact you as soon as possible.

What will happen once I have booked my initial appointment?

After booking your initial session I will send you an information pack by e-mail or if you do not have the internet I can send it by post.  This pack contains information such as guidelines to counselling, an introductory questionnaire, directions and my professional fees.

You then return the introductory questionnaire with your initial session fee, as this confirms your appointment.  The questionnaire gives me information about you that will hopefully make it easier for both of us at the initial session, as I will already know some of your reasons for seeking therapy.. Please be assured that any information you supply is in confidence and is in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 (Subject to my Code of Conduct). 

Will I start to feel better straight away?

As counselling is designed to talk through issues that are making life difficult for you, sometimes whilst you are resolving some of the painful issues you may ask yourself is it worth it?  Having been through therapy myself, I can honestly say that it most definitely is.  Guidelines for those seeking counselling may help you, click here.