Counselling & Psychotherapy
The therapeutic relationship is an important and very particular kind of professional relationship which is characterised by warmth, understanding and gentle challenge. It is an important factor in bringing about change.
Is There Any Difference?
Counselling and psychotherapy are general terms that include a number of different “talking therapies”. Counselling is often considered shorter term work which may focus on a particular issue or difficulty, or it may help you to make changes in your life.
Psychotherapy might involve psychological work at a deeper level to bring about more fundamental changes within you. It is usually a longer process.
Can Therapy Help Me?
People come to therapy at all ages, from all walks of life and for all sorts of reasons: anxiety and depression or a recent crisis in your life that you are struggling to cope with. There may be longstanding issues stemming from your early life experiences or there may be dissatisfaction about aspects of yourself or your life.
Unfortunately there is no “magic wand” in therapy. Change takes time and your active participation in the process of therapy.
How Often Do I Attend?
In general, it is best to attend weekly in order to build trust in the therapy relationship, and gain a momentum of change. People may reduce their sessions to fortnightly as the therapy progresses.
What Happens in a Session ?
Therapists generally do not tell clients what to do with their lives but help them make decisions for themselves with confidence.
You will be free to talk about your difficulties and concerns at your own pace. My role is to listen carefully and attentively to help you come to a fuller understanding of your situation. I may ask some questions to aid the therapeutic work and help deepen your understanding. The session lasts for 60 minutes.
Who Can Attend Counselling?
I work with individuals over the age of 16 years for both short and long term work.
I don’t work with children aged 16 and under because I am not trained or qualified in this specialist field.
How Much Does It Cost?
Currently my fees are £60 per session. I do offer some concessionary spaces; at present I offer NHS staff a reduced rate of £50 per session.
How Do I Find Out More?
If you would like to find out some more general information about counselling and psychotherapy, I have included some links to useful organisations on my Links Page.
I am also happy to answer any queries you may have, or to arrange an initial exploratory appointment.
Please get in touch by emailing or calling me. You can leave a confidential voicemail on my phone if I am not available to take your call. I will return your call as soon as possible. My office hours are 10-5pm Monday-Thursday.
