Frequently asked questions
What is counselling & psychotherapy?
Both counselling and psychotherapy are talking processes that are concerned with alleviating human distress and confusion. 
What happens in a session?
You are free to discuss whatever you feel comfortable sharing with me. My approach is to actively listen with interest and care to what you say, and to work therapeutically with you on your concerns. This can be through talking together, as well as working in creative ways; which can be beneficial in engaging with forgotten or disowned emotional experience. There may be more you'd like to know, and we can discuss this further at an initial assessment consultation. |
What's the difference between counselling & psychotherapy?
Generally speaking, counselling is a short-term therapy focusing on a specific current issue or problem. Psychotherapy is a deeper therapeutic process which takes account of past experiences and relationships. Clients are helped to gain a fuller awareness of their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. 
New self-awareness emerges by going into the 'layers' of the personality; getting in touch with your 'core self' and gaining perspective and direction.
It's important to bear in mind that every client is a unique individual and each will therefore have a different experience of the counselling process. |
Is what I say confidential?
Your sessions are treated with the utmost confidentiality. However, there are certain situations where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, for legal or ethical reasons. These will be fully explained to you when we meet. 
How does therapy work?
Over time, and working at your pace, I will help you to 'unpack' your concerns. This may involve looking at things from perspectives that you haven't considered before. New insights about yourself and your experiences will often emerge, bringing a clearer focus, and which will assist your own decision-making process - enabling you to move forward in productive and beneficial ways. |