People go to counselling for many different reasons and it can feel like a big decision to arrange a meeting with a counsellor, especially if you have never attended counselling before. However, you may sense deep within that issues are impacting upon your life. It takes self-awareness to recognize that you may need help and motivation to make the first move. The decision to have counselling is the first crucial step towards change.
As a counsellor I provide a safe environment where issues can be discussed confidentially and without judgement. It is a place to feel supported and heard. Talking through issues may require some looking inward to understand how your thoughts and feelings have been affected. If you fear that counselling may bring up difficult feelings, then we can discuss ways to help you manage. Counselling is a mutual journey where we work together to understand what has happened and to set goals to find ways of coping with or overcoming your situation. We can work with any issues that you wish to bring to the counselling sessions. Any questions, concerns, or worries you may have can be discussed at any time.
The first meeting is a free phone call, lasting up to 30 minutes, which allows me to explain the details of how counselling works and to see if you feel you would like to work with me. To proceed I will then send a contract confirming the details of the counselling sessions. The contract provides a framework for the sessions and reinforces the integrity of the counselling relationship.
The counselling sessions will normally run once a week as this helps to maintain a momentum. However, I will likely have some flexibility with times and days. Please try to give me some notice if you decide to cancel a session. At the first session I will ask about what issues you have brought to counselling so that I can understand your situation. Counselling will likely increase your self-awareness and your understanding of the issues affecting your life. Generally, it is intended that counselling will bring you to a place of independence and empowerment, where you have better control of your life and are free to move forward.