INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS

 

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

You may feel that a few sessions are enough, or that you wish to continue for longer to sort out deeply entrenched difficulties.  It is up to you!

SUPPOSING I’M CONFUSED AND DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY?

Many people are unclear about what they feel, think and want.  It is perfectly normal to feel like this in the first session.  Our job is to help you clarify what’s going on in your life, get things into perspective, and enable you to gain a new vision/skills to get what you want for yourself.

WHAT IF I WANT COUNSELLING AND CAN’T AFFORD IT?

We aim to enable all clients to get what they need.  This may involve a reduced fee or referral to other agencies.

I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN. HOW DO I KNOW THAT WHAT I SAY IS CONFIDENTIAL?

Counselling takes place in a confidential and secure setting and we are not permitted by the Code of Ethics of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy to divulge what you say. Exceptions are particular circumstances such as drugs trafficking, terrorism, harm to others.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE COUNSELLOR IS DOING HIS/HER JOB PROPERLY?

We belong to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and our work is monitored through regular supervision in accordance with its Code of Practice.

ARE THERE ANY ISSUES YOU DON’T WORK WITH?

We do not work with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, severe obsessions and addictions, people who abuse children and mental health issues such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. These are dealt with by professionals who specialise in these areas.

 

RELATIONSHIP CLIENTS

 

DO YOU WORK WITH SAME SEX COUPLES?

We welcome couples from the full spectrum of couple relationships.

DO BOTH OF US HAVE TO BE EQUALLY COMMITTED TO MAKE THE RELATIONSHIP WORK?

Ideally yes. However, in practice not all couples are at this point. Sometimes, one party is unsure whether or not they want to continue the relationship. This is a normal expression of the differences between couples, and we will work with that as part of the couple’s agenda.

WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE PERSON DOES NOT WISH TO ATTEND?

With relationship counselling we need both of you in the room because our work is with your relationship.

WILL YOU EVER SEE US INDIVIDUALLY?

As a general rule we prefer to keep couples together. However, there are some circumstances where it can be very useful to see you individually. In this instance each of us will work with each of you separately.

HOW LONG WILL THE WORK TAKE?

Each couple is wonderfully unique and with different needs and pacing.  We are therefore guided by the needs of the relationship.  A young relationship may require just a few sessions, whereas a couple with deep-seated difficulties over a long period may take more time to disentangle.