How do I know if I need counselling?
Only you can decide whether you wish to attend counselling. You may want to see a counsellor for a variety of reasons: to change old patterns of behaviour, find clarity on an issue, resolve relationship difficulties, to cope with a crisis. You may have been advised to see counsellor by your doctor, a family member or friend.
What happens in a counselling session?
There is no template for a counselling session. It is a time and space set aside for you and what is discussed will vary according to your needs, you are free to talk about what you want to. You may talk about your feelings, your thoughts, dilemmas, your goals, barriers, experiences and/or everyday events.
How regularly will I see my counsellor?
Regularity is important for productive therapeutic work. The usual format is weekly sessions to helps you make gradual and steady progress. It may be appropriate that your counselling sessions are scheduled fortnightly or monthly depending on your needs and other commitments.
How long does each counselling session last?
Each session will last 50 minutes.
Do I have to pay for missed/cancelled therapy sessions?
If you proceed with therapy after the first consultation I will reserve two slots for you at an agreed time. This helps ensures that your sessions are guaranteed and consistent.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment is in advance by cash, cheque or Paypal. I would ask for one for one sessions to be paid in advance.
How long should I expect to continue with counselling?
The number of sessions will depend on you and your presenting issues. Usually you will start with six sessions and review after that.
Will my counselling sessions be confidential?
This is a bit more complex than people generally do think. Limits of confidentiality can vary dependent many factors one being the route to referral i.e. if you are referred to a counsellor through your employer or an Employer Assistance Programme (EAP) the referring party may ask for proof that an individual is attending therapy. Though they will will not have access to the contents of the session they may have a right to confirmation of attendance.
Most people understand that counselling sessions are confidential with the exception that you may pose a danger to yourself or others. Only in extreme cases, such as risk to human life or a child’s safety or disclosure of acts of terrorism (1989) would any contact be made with third parties. There is more to confidentiality than above, this will be discussed in detail on an individual basis during the initial assessment and the first session should you decide to commence with counselling.
Will my counsellor be available for me in a crisis?
I will be available to you at our scheduled appointment times. I am not able to provide an emergency service to you and you will need to seek other resources for help during that time. In such cases you should contact your GP, or one of the following services
www.samaritans.org 0845 790 9090
www.saneline.org.uk 0845 767 8000
Can I refer someone for counselling?
Friends, family and colleagues may be concerned about an individuals well being and would like to see them have counselling. However, it is most helpful if the individual in question can make contact themselves as it is an important step in acknowledging that they may need assistance. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
For more information please do not hestitate to make contact info@douglastherapy.co.uk