Frequently asked questions
Counselling FAQ's
What is counselling?
“Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their well being.” – British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
What method of counselling do you offer?
My method of counselling is primarily “person-centred”. This approach, developed by psychologist Carl Rogers, focuses on the idea that every individual has the internal resources they need for growth. This approach is particularly helpful for those who wish to explore themselves and their feelings and who value personal responsibility, rather than those who would like extensive advice or wish to gain a diagnosis of what they are experiencing. I do not work from a script or have a set of questions to ask, you choose what you wish to talk about and I work with whatever you bring to the conversation and at your own pace.
What types of counselling do you offer?
My counselling can help you for many different reasons. I offer general counselling and also a number of specialist types of counselling. You can read about each type in more detail by accessing the counselling page.
What do I do next?I offer an initial telephone consultation completely free of charge to help you and I decide if I am the right counsellor for you. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
What is an initial session?
If you decide to have counselling you can book an initial session. At this appointment you will have an opportunity to decide whether or not you feel comfortable talking to me, whether we can both work together, and if counselling is right for you at this time. You will be under no obligation to pursue counselling. Deciding who to work with is extremely important, so you may want to meet a few prospective counsellors before making a decision.
How long is a counselling session?
My counselling sessions last for approximately 50 minutes.
How will I know if it’s right for me?
During your initial session you will get a clearer idea about how counselling works and how you will feel talking to a counsellor.
How long will I need to come for?
Counselling is a process and usually works best when sessions are weekly. Clients can agree to attend for a short period of time, or for a longer or an open-ended period. After a number of sessions you may wish to review your experience of counselling.
How will I know if it’s working?
The short answer is, you will start to feel better. This is not always immediate, as you will begin to share and explore difficulties and challenges you have experienced, or may even have put to the back of your mind. It is important you attend regularly to feel the full benefits of counselling.
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling is confidential. The only circumstance where I am obliged to break confidentiality is if you have indicated that there is risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else. I will discuss confidentiality in more detail on your initial consultation or session.
What code of ethics does the counsellor follow?
I am a BACP registered and accredited counsellor. As a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), I adhere to BACP ethical framework for the counselling professions.
What is a BACP accredited counsellor?
It is a counsellor who has achieved a substantial level of training and experience that has been approved by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). For more information visit the BACP website.
When can I get an appointment?
I see counselling clients from Monday – Thursday. I have a flexible appointment system and appointments are usually offered within 7 days. They can start as early as 8.00 a.m. or as late as 8.00 p.m.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will need to give a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend your appointment. You can contact me, by either calling, texting or emailing me. If this amount of notice is not given, the session will still be charged for. I hope you can understand, it is rarely possible to fill the appointments at such short notice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Poetry Therapy FAQ's
What is poetry therapy?
Poetry therapy is the use of language, symbol, and story in therapeutic, education, growth, and community-building capacities. It relies upon the use of poems, stories, song lyrics, imagery, and metaphor to facilitate personal growth, healing, and greater self-awareness. https://poetrytherapy.org/
What can I expect if I attend a therapeutic writing workshop or group?
Research over the last 30 years has found links between writing, health and wellbeing. The workshop or group is experiential and interactive. You can expect to, experience various expressive and self-reflective writing exercises. We will use carefully selected poems as springboards for writing, reflection, and conversation. The aim is not to focus on literary merit, the emphasis is on process rather than product. We will not be critiquing your writing.
I am not particularly good at writing or poetry can I still attend?
Yes certainly, you do not need any special writing ability to attend, there is no wrong or right way to write. Our main focus is to write from the heart.
My grammar and spelling is awful can I still attend?
Absolutely, you will be the only person who sees your work. We do not focus on grammar, spelling or style.
Do I have to read out my work?
No, whilst there are benefits of your work being read out and received by others, You decide what you wish to share with others in the group.
What sorts of issues can therapeutic writing help?
Therapeutic writing can be used for many issues which we encounter on life’s journey. Poetry therapy is effective as a maintenance model rather than to solve an issue. It has been used effectively for grief and loss; coping with life-threatening or chronic illness; increasing communication skills; increasing self-awareness, developing healthier self-esteem; healing from trauma, getting a better perspective on life; and clarifying life goals.
Is there any research about expressive and therapeutic writing?A radio 4 programme named Mind Changers, recently interviewed Professor James Pennebaker, the person who has done most to establish the evidence for the benefits of expressive writing in improving health. It’s definitely worth a listen.
What are your qualifications?
I am a certified poetry therapist (CPT). I undertook my training in poetry therapy with The International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy (U.S.A.) I achieved a certificate in applied poetry facilitation and a certificate in poetry therapy.
What Code of Ethics do you adhere to?
I adhere to the National Association of Poetry Therapy (U.S.A.) code of ethics.