Counselling and/or Therapy is a chance to talk about things that are important to you - such as relationships, thoughts or feelings - that can sometimes get in the way of living the life that you want.
Therapy can be short or long term and can focus upon a wide range of difficulties, such as coping with daily life, dealing with trauma, change, loss or bereavement and specific mental difficulties such as depression or anxiety etc. Therapy is generally based upon evidence-based psychological models e.g. a cognitive behavioural therapist will help you to help yourself by understanding how the links between your thinking, feeling and behaviour can facilitate the changes that you want to make.
Both counselling and therapy are provided by trained and experienced professionals in an a confidential relationship, that can help promote your well-being and bring about effective change in your life and your relationships.
Research suggests that above the theories, tools and techniques of therapy, it is the relationship between you and your therapist that makes the most difference to the best outcomes.
Thus it is important that you find someone that you feel is the right fit for you. I offer a free initial call for individuals, without commitment to further sessions.
Making the decision to attend a session is a positive step and can offer support beyond that available from family or friends. My aim is to help you find better ways to understand yourself, or to bring about changes to help you manage the way you think or behave, to improve your mental, emotional and behavioural well-being.
Listening carefully is the largest part of what all mental health professionals do. They make sure clients have clarified the problem areas in their own terms and help them decide what steps they want to take next, with the goal of always letting the work proceed at the client’s pace.
The idea of counselling is often unnerving to people, and the idea of doing those sessions with another person can be downright terrifying. Nothing is really going to change that potential dread before your first appointment, but knowing what to expect makes it a bit less unnerving.
What to expect from counselling or therapy sessions:
In your first session, you may be asked questions about you and your life. This information helps to make an initial assessment of your situation. Questions asked may include why you sought therapy at this time or whether there is a particular issue that may have led you to seek help. It may be however that you are unsure what the problem is, or feel a sense of 'stuckness' and may be looking for a way to better achieve your goals or take positive steps forward in life. Because family situations can play an important role in who you are, you may also be asked about your family history or your current family situation. Other than knowing the reason you sought therapy, you may be asked questions to find out if you’re suffering from any other symptoms related or not to your problem.
It is completely normal to feel anxious at first, particularly if this is your first experience of counselling. It can take a while to get used to the situation, but most people report feeling significantly more at ease as the first session goes along. It can be quite a relief to talk about difficult issues with someone who is understanding, who clearly withholds judgement and with whom you do not have an emotional attachment.
Practicalities / Fees
I am currently based in central London (Farringdon / Clerkenwell) for face to face counselling (exact location is shown by clicking on the take action button below). Fees for Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) are currently:
Individuals - £110 for a 55 minute session
The fee is payable by cash/card payment/electronic funds transfer or cheque at the start of the session. Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available, either in person or online (via video using a secure, encrypted platform). 48 hours notice is required for cancellation without charge.
If you are interested in finding out more about the counselling and therapy services or you would like to arrange to meet, please use the link below…
