Counselling and Therapy are really one in the same term. They both refer to a service which aims to help people overcome their difficulties by exploring them with a Therapist or Counsellor. This also applies to Psychotherapy/Psychotherapist

The first session of Counselling is usually used to get an idea of how well we both work together and if Counselling is right for you. There are so many different types of Counselling and Counsellor that it is important to find something you are both comfortable with and feel will offer you what you need.

In the initial session, we will meet each other and see how we work together. There will be time for me to explain Counselling in more depth (if you would like) and also for you to ask any questions you may have. I will also explain some details of our work together like confidentiality and appointment details. You will have the chance to explain what brought you to Counselling and what you would like to gain from our work together. We will then have the rest of the time to talk about whatever you would like and begin the Counselling.

As with many aspect of Counselling, you are in control and so there is no pressure or obligation to continue after this initial session or to talk about anything you don't want, the choice remains with you.

As a Counsellor, I will be empathic towards your feelings and life. Put simply, this means that I will try to understand and help you explore the difficulties which you are facing. As a result, it is often the case that you come to a place where you have a better understanding and acceptance of yourself, which can ease the pressures you are experiencing. It can also empower you to make any changes you may wish.

I will not be judgmental of you or your position and think it is very important that I value each individual that comes for counselling. Every person is different and has different values and needs. There are no right and wrong ways, just your way, and I think it is important to respect this and be able to freely explore what you desire without fear of judgement.

You are in control of the content of the sessions and what you talk about. This can be scary at first but you are the only person who knows how you truly feel and how it is to be you - you are the expert on you! This is why I believe that you are the best guide of how to use Counselling and as a result, the best person to decide the content of our sessions together.

There are many different types of Counselling but the method which I follow and am trained in is Person-Centred Counselling. This model believes that you have the resources within yourself to get to where you need and that we all have a natural desire to move towards fulfilment and development, although I understand it may not feel like this at times! My job is to offer a place and the conditions for you to be able to openly explore the areas that you wish and begin to develop your own resources in order to make the changes that you wish.

Person-Centred Counsellors do not offer advice or solutions to people, but instead, offer a safe and confidential space for the client to explore whatever they need and help them to come to the places which they desire. The fact that counsellors do not offer advice emphasizes the control of the client in a counselling relationship. You make the decisions and plan the course and content of the therapy, and most importantly at your own speed.

In a nutshell, anything. There are no set issues for counselling that must or should be brought. Whatever you feel needs dealing with, is obviously an important area for you to explore and counselling provides the setting to do this.

On the rare occasion that Counselling does not fit your needs or you may need alternative support, I am happy to help you in finding this.

Some people worry that their problems are too big or too small to bring to counselling but I believe that if you feel it is an issue, then it is important to spend some time looking at it. I have had experience with a wide variety of issues and always try to offer the best possible support to help you get what you need from our work together.