FAQs

What will counselling be like?

There are many different way’s counselling or therapy are perceived in our culture. The cold, analytic therapists shown on films and TV shows can often be our only frame of reference and a very off-putting one at that! However, my practice is focused on the relationship we build and how we work together. It may be that you just want a space where you can share and explore what is going on for you at that moment or it may be that you are looking for the deeper more unknown roots of your struggles. Perhaps you don’t feel you are struggling but see the value in growing and understanding yourself to get the most out of life. All of this is down to what you feel you need. The 50 minutes is your time and I respect a person’s choice to use it in whatever way they need.

How do I know you’re the right counsellor for me?

An important part of our work together is the therapeutic relationship we form. Sometimes in life, we just don’t connect or click with certain people which is natural and not always under our control. I always suggest that people take their time when deciding if they want to work with me. After our introduction session, I will leave it in your hands. If you didn’t feel it was right for you, there is no need to worry yourself about turning me down or hurting my feelings - I hold great respect for our individual intuition and I encourage you to trust your gut.

What should I expect from an introduction session?

I am all too aware of how unnerving it can be to come to the very first session. It’s absolutely ok to feel anxious or concerned! You have decided to begin to make changes to yourself and your life and that in itself can be a scary concept. I still carry with me the first time I went to therapy and some of the fears that came up for me. This gives me great compassion and respect for others that want to start their journey and I simply aim to hear you and build a picture of what you would like to get from counselling. I aim to create a more informal meeting, a place where you can get a sense of me and the work we might be doing together.

Why try counselling?

During our everyday lives, we often find ways to filter ourselves. It’s not always possible or constructive for us to explore our deepest fears and insecurities with those closest to us. We can feel like a burden or experience shame in our vulnerability. We can shudder at the thought of showing others our true emotions and find ways to hide ourselves. Counselling provides a space where, at your own pace, you can remove the filters and begin to discover more of who you are.

Sometimes just hearing ourselves say our problems out loud can help us make sense of our internal conflicts. Other times, we may need to look back to the past in order to make sense out of and alter present-day ideas about ourselves and the world. I am trained in both humanistic and psychodynamic approaches, which simply translates to working in the here and now and also paying attention to the origins of your difficulties.

Societal influence and our life experiences can make us feel that we must be unwell or broken if we seek help from a counsellor. However, my view is that all of us, to some degree, are on a journey of self-understanding and growth which continues throughout our lives and that counselling can be a powerful space to seek truth and heal.