Counselling

Why do people have counselling?

There are many reasons that you might feel drawn to try counselling. It can be because something specific has happened in your life, such as the death of a loved one or another major life event. Maybe you are struggling to see a way forward. Perhaps you feel ‘stuck’ or are unable to find meaning in your life. Sometimes talking to a friend about it just isn’t enough or isn’t even an option. In a counselling relationship, you won’t be judged; I won’t tell you what I would do and I won’t tell anybody else what you have told me.

What happens in a counselling session?

We will meet at a pre-arranged time each week. It is better to try to keep this time the same each week if possible. The sessions will last for 50 minutes. You will choose what to bring to the sessions each week, and the sessions will move at your pace. I will ‘check in’ with you regularly to see how you are finding the sessions, and if the process is meeting your expectations. We will review together the progress you are making, and how long you want to the counselling to continue.

Confidentiality is really important. What we talk about in the counselling room stays in the counselling room. There are some exceptions to this principle, and I will go through these with you when we first meet.

How can you be sure that you will be treated in a professional and safe way?

I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and have undertaken a lengthy, thorough and vigorous programme of training. I am an individual member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP for short). I work in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical Framework. You can look at this document and learn more about the BACP and the counselling process by clicking here.

As part of my membership with the BACP I am required to keep my professional knowledge and skills up to date.

I also hold a Certificate in Counselling Chidren and Young People.

What services do I offer and how much do they cost?

I offer face-to-face sessions of 50 minutes. These sessions cost £45 per hour, except the first session which is completely free. These sessions take place in the tranquil setting of the Lifehouse in Southchurch Village. More details can be found Here

I also offer these sessions via Zoom or the over the telephone for the same cost.

when I see Young People and children the sessions will be 45 minutes long.

When we first meet, we will agree a way of working together. Please click here to see a copy of my standard Agreement.