What are the main reasons for seeking counselling?

People come to see me for a multitude of reasons. Here are just a few:

• Support for grief and loss

• Seeking help to recover from trauma (recent or childhood)

• Personal growth and development

• Support with a specific issue or problem

• Developing coping strategies for anxiety

• Improving mood and outlook

• Help with relationship issues

• Improving communication skills

Does counselling really work?

Yes!

How?

There are many aspects of the counselling process that are proven to improve a person’s experience of life. Counselling, at its fundamental level, can satisfy the basic need for human connection. It can help you to feel seen, heard and validated. It gives the opportunity to get the swirling thoughts out of your head and into the external where they can be explored, understood, possibly challenged.

An experienced counsellor can provide evidence-based tools and strategies for coping with difficult emotions or uncomfortable situations. They can also teach skills like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communications and interpersonal skills. There are many more reasons but that’s too much typing for me! Come and try it for yourself : )

How many sessions will I need?

That all depends on your presenting issue. Brief interventions can help to make you feel better after just one hour! However, to explore and treat a case more deeply and to achieve a reliable, sustainable result, ongoing sessions will be required. On average, most people see me for around 6 to 10 sessions. However, many of my clients keep coming back whenever they feel they need a check in. They know I can provide a safe place for their mental health maintenance.

What happens in the first session?

When you arrive, there is a comfortable waiting room. At your appointed time, I will greet you and welcome you into my clinic room (also comfortable). The first session is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about me and the counselling process. It is also a chance for me to learn about you and your reason for seeking support. You are welcome to give me as much or as little detail as you like. We will move at your pace as I understand that, for some people, opening up about feelings can feel unfamiliar.

By the end of the session, we will have worked together to find out what will be the most helpful for you and set up some counselling goals. I also like to give a bit of homework if you’re open to it. You’re only in the session for one hour per week and it’s important to have skills to work on when you’re not in session.

When will I feel better?

I respect that this is your time and money and that you want results, so I will work hard to help you to feel better from the very first session. Possibly even before! It’s an acknowledged fact that some people will start feeling better when they book a counselling appointment. This is because they feel that they are taking positive action, getting some agency and a sense of control when things are feeling a bit chaotic. The step of scheduling an appointment (and showing up!) also proves that they are taking responsibility for their lives, which can bring feelings of pride and satisfaction.

You should try it!

If you have any other questions, concerns or hesitations, please get in touch via the contact form. Always happy to talk.