Counselling FAQs
What is counselling?
Talking therapies, also known as psychotherapy, involve conversations between individuals and trained therapists to address emotional and psychological challenges. I trained as an integrative counsellor. Integrative therapy is a unifying approach that blends different theories from various psychological models to address the needs of each person as they present.
Psychodynamic theory helps to explain personality in terms of unconscious processes such as fears and wishes for example that the client may be unaware of. This may cause sadness, confusion and or fear for the person concerned as there will be behaviours, thoughts and feeling that will not be understandable. This may result in depression, feelings of not being ‘good enough’ and perhaps feeling ‘stuck’ in life. This approach suggests that our early childhood experiences are crucial in shaping the adult personality. So sometimes when a person enters into therapy it may be that we have to go back to the past in order to understand their ‘here and now.
Transactional Analysis is a theory that helps us to understand and analyse the processes of transactions when in dialogue with others and ourselves. This requires us to begin to become aware of how we feel, think and behave during interactions with others. It also recognises that our personality is driven by different ego states. A basic understanding is that we have a parental, adult and child ego. It is felt that for reasonable mental health we need a good balance of all three egos. Sometimes I find conveying an understanding of this particular model can be useful for the person concerned. It can provide for an internal frame of reference within which a person can begin to understand themselves.
What are your qualifications?
I am a fully qualified counsellor, you can see a full list of my qualifications and experience on my about page here.
When is the right time to see a counsellor?
You can visit a counsellor at any time, no matter how you feel. If you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, are struggling with relationships, or have difficulty managing stress, it may be time to seek help.
Lots of people need a counsellor during times of significant life changes, such as job loss, divorce, or grief. These can all prompt the need for professional support. If you find it challenging to cope with daily life or feel overwhelmed, a counsellor can provide guidance and strategies for managing emotions effectively. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. Professional counsellors offer a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, facilitating personal growth and healing. I am here for you when the time is right.
When will I start to feel better?
Everyone is different, and that includes our life experiences and how we approach them. On average, many of my clients start to see positive changes within 6-12 sessions. Some people feel comfortable visiting their counsellor once a week, others need space to process and reflect between sessions. The important thing to remember is you have taken the first step, which is to enquire about counselling, which is a huge achievement in your self care.
Emergency Care
If you are experiencing a metal health crisis outside of my of office hours, please call either Samaritans or CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). If you are unable to keep yourself safe from harm, call 999 in an emergency or visit A&E for an urgent mental health assessment.
