Frequently asked questions

What is integrated counselling?

Integrative counselling brings together different schools of counselling, such as person centred, systemic, CBT, solution focused brief therapy and psychodynamic counselling. As an integrative counsellor I believe in working hollisticly and that one approach might not suit everyone. I draw techniques and learnings from different approaches to suit the need of the client as best as I can.



What happen when I first contact you?

I offer a 30 minutes phone conversation before booking in sessions. This gives you an opportunity to check if I would be a good fit for you and to decide if you want to go ahead with booking the first session. During this first conversation, we will discuss why you wish to have counselling and how you hope it will help you. We will also discuss whether you would prefer face to face or online counselling. Following this call, if we agreed to go ahead, I will send you an email confirmation of your first appointment and a copy of my counselling agreement for you to have a look at before we meet. I also ask for the first session to be paid 24 hours ahead of our meeting so as to secure the booking.



What happen during counselling?

We will use the first session to get to know each other, to go through the agreement and to agree on an initial number of sessions, depending on your needs. During each follow on session, we will explore what's happening for you and how it is affecting you. I might ask you question to stimulate personal exploration and use some tools such as creative exercises to bring in a more visual exploration, especially when the right words may be difficult to find. Your emotional safety is important to me, and at the end of each session I will check with you and ensure that you are feeling safe to resume your day.



Do you give 'Homework' ?

I don't usually give excercise to carry out at home, or outside each session, however I could do so if you feel it would help you. I may encourage you to bring something for our next session such as a picture of you as a child or a doll representing you. I might also encourage you to do some breathing exercise if we feel it might helpful for you.



I am not in a crisis, do I really need counselling?

Counselling is not just for people in crisis, it can help you to reflect on where you are at moment and where you want to be. It can be useful to talk through things before they affect us in a significant way. Sometimes, having an opportunity to pause and reflect can help us to avoid getting to crisis point. For more information, you can have a look here, where you can find good information on mental well being. If you need help urgently and I am not available you can contact the samaritans.



What about confidentiality?

Details shared during the therapeutic relationship remain confidential between you and your counsellor. The only exceptions to this is if you are considered at risk to yourself or to others, or if you disclose information relating to fraud or acts of terrorism. All data held about you is dealt with securely in line with GDPR regulations. If you want more information I can provide you with my data protection policy. Also note that I adhere to the ethical framework of the BACP and the ACC.



What is Christian Counselling?

As a counsellor registered with the ACC and as part of my integrated practice I can offer christian counselling. Practically, it means that I will offer you a space where you can freely explore your relationship with God, the strength it gives you and your doubts. Most importantly, I will not make any assumptions or have any requirement about your faith, belief or value and will not impose my faith on you. The Association of Christian Counsellor defines Christian Counselling as activities which "seek to help people towards constructive change and growth in any or every aspect of their lives, through a caring relationship and within agreed relational boundaries, carried out by a counsellor who has a Christian worldview".