Coming for counselling or psychotherapy?
You may feel awkward or nervous when you come for counselling the first time. It makes sense that you might feel nervous about the process and maybe scared about what might happen. Don’t worry most people feel the same way. Going to therapy for the first time is a big step. We do find though that these worries disappear very quickly.
How does it work?
Within a confidential, safe and non-judgmental environment, a reliable and trusting relationship with a therapist can be formed where difficult and distressing feelings can be shared.
”Stress is the gap between what we expect to happen and what is actually happening”.
Gary Smalley in The DNA of Relationships
Together we can work out more effective ways of coping and living life. We will be able to offer you alternative ways of thinking, feeling and behaving and will guide, help and support you as you make changes in your life.
What are the benefits?
Understanding yourself better, feeling able to cope with your emotions, and looking at patterns of behaviour which limit your potential. Feeling anxious, feeling panicky or having panic attacks, feeling sad, feeling depressed, anger you do not know how to control, eating disorders, difficulty relating to people, lack of confidence, tendency to self-defeating behaviour or lack of meaning in your life, are some of the problems which may be addressed by counselling or psychotherapy.
How long does it take?
This is something that you and your therapist will discuss together. In short-term counselling the focus is usually on working with a specific problem. In psychotherapy, the work goes deeper, exploring and making sense of patterns from the past that limit
While there are no ‘guarantees’ in life, engaging a professional qualified therapist with a proven track record and evidence to back that record, who is dedicated to meeting your agenda and needs and not the agenda and needs of a third party organisation, is without doubt a safer bet than doing otherwise. We can also assure you that we have been regularly CRB checked.
How can it help?
In a safe and confidential setting, you will be encouraged to talk as freely as you feel able. By listening, reflecting and questioning, the therapist tries to help you to make sense of your experiences. As the relationship between you and the therapist develops, you may discover new insights and different ways of being. The aim is to help people understand and accept themselves and be supported in coming to terms with their conflicts and difficulties.
Are we available in the evening?
Yes. We are available in the evenings as well as during the day. This means that you can come to see us at your convenience.
If you are housebound because of physical difficulties or a social phobia speak to us as we may be able to arrange home visits. We could also arrange sessions using the telephone or via Skype.
How often will I/we need to come?
In the first instance weekly as we need to build up a relationship, for us to get to know you and to best help you with the issues you bring.