Questions

How do I know if I have chosen a qualified counsellor?

Although registration of counsellors is not at present compulsory, most counsellors will a member of a professional body, and abide by its Code of Ethics and Practice. The British Association for Counselling hold a register of members and have a formal complaints procedure. Please check that the counsellor you choose can clarify membership.

What does confidential mean?

Anything discussed during the session stays there. No information will be disclosed to a third party without clients consent. I have regular supervision of my work where some contents of the sessions may be discussed; however my client will remain anonymous. My supervisor will also hold confidentiality. There may be some situations where there will be exemptions to include: Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim If a client intends to harm him/her self, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. It they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law to ensure their safety Report any information that could endanger national security. In all case I would initially discuss, if possible, with the client outlining my actions.

Is it difficult to get to you, can I park, is there a bus route?

No, I practice approximately 3 miles from Plymouth City Centre and there is plenty of on road parking available. The number 35 bus stop a two minute walk away from my practice and is very regular leaving the City Centre and follows a route along Mutley Plain. Please see map. I run my practice from home where a confidential and welcoming environment is assured and parking is plentiful.

How often to I attend and how many session will I need?

Clients mostly attend on a weekly appointment basis which is preferable, however fortnightly sessions can be arranged - anything further apart that this in my experience and opinion can be less effective. The amount of session can be anything form 6 - 20+ depending on the nature of the problem. Sometimes when coming to the end of a course of therapy appointment may be spaced out more, perhaps fortnightly or monthly as required.

The number of sessions varies, just like individuals. Some people only need one or two whilst others need longer term work. The number of sessions can be open ended or a set amount of sessions can be agreed at the start and reviewed as counselling progresses.

What happens if I can’t attend a session?

I would appreciate you letting me know this as soon as possible, preferably with 24 hours notice; another appointment can be re-scheduled if you wish. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be charged for, as will appointments missed without notice.

I'm concerned that talking about issues in counselling will upset me, and may leave me feeling worse, is this likely?

This is a concern clients frequently express. Talking about certain situations and disturbing feelings can be difficult, and it may bring up lots of different feeling in you.

In counselling you will be encouraged to explore different aspects of your life and feelings, freely and openly in a way that is often not possible with those closest to you. Bottled up feelings such as anxiety, grief, guilt, embarrassment and shame can become very intense and when these can be explored often they become easier to understand and handle. Unacknowledged feelings that are able to be looked at in a safe way, with support, can help people move on. The expression of feelings will be encouraged in a way that is safe for you.

My focus and aim in working with you is to keep this safe. I aim to work with you to meet YOUR needs, and this is always my focus.

Integrative counselling means drawing on and blending specific types of therapies. This approach is not linked to one particular type of therapy as those practising integrative counselling do not believe that only one approach works for each client in all situations. This bit may slot in after my main approach bit – ‘draw on other approaches to suit clients needs.’ As a counsellor, I aim to offer a caring, non-judgemental space for you to explore any issues that are important or are of concern to you. My experiences of life, and my own personal journey and development has given me an insight into myself and others that allows me to work in a compassionate and non-judgemental way.