To get things started just message me on 07896 498003 or email me via the contact form to let me know you are interested in counselling. I aim to reply within 1 working day.
Introductory phone call
The first step is to arrange a time that works for both of us to speak on the phone. We will usually speak for about 10 mins or so and there is no charge. It gives space for me to answer any questions you have and hear a little about the headline reasons you have for getting in touch. Then we can look at setting up a day and time to meet and take things forward.
Taster counselling sessions
It is important that you choose a counsellor who feels right for you and has the experience to be helpful. So the next step would be to set up a Taster Session. These are similar enough to ongoing counselling to give you a sense of what it would be like to come and see me for regular counselling but there is no commitment to take up. ongoing counselling.
People usually to feel a little nervous before a first Taster Session – it’s all new and you may not have a clear idea what you are coming to or looking for. That’s normal and we will work it all out together. By the end I will have learnt a little about you and what you are looking for help with and you will have found out a little about what I’m like as a counsellor and had space to ask any questions you have.
Taster session practicalities
Sessions last 50 mins for individuals and between 50 and 75 mins for couples. The reduced cost is £50 which is payable online on the day of the session. I will give you bank details when we meet.
Ongoing counselling sessions
If you decide to go ahead with counselling, we will set up regular appointments. These will normally be on the same day/time each week. The time and space will be yours to talk about whatever is important to you. So you will be inn charge. However, I will not leave you to it on your own, I will be actively helping you talk about things in ways that help you develop new perspectives and new understanding about your self. Find out more about how I work by taking a look at the About Counselling page.
Ongoing session practicalities
Sessions for individuals last for 50 mins and cost £60. For couples, sessions last between 50 and 75 mins by agreement and cost £80. All are payable on line on the day of the session.
How many counselling sessions will I have?
This is your choice but it is a difficult question to answer when you first see a counsellor. It depends on what you want to use the sessions for.
Short term counselling tends to be between 6 and 18 sessions. It is useful for talking through a specific aspect of your life, like a difficult decision you face, an unexpected challenge or change, short term work stress, etc.
Longer term counselling is more helpful if you are experiencing long standing or complex difficulties, issues from childhood, trauma, prolonged stress, illness, supporting others, struggling with anxiety or depression etc. In these situations, we make a start on an open ended basis and then decide together when it is time to end the counselling.