how many sessions will I need?
This depends on what you want. Some people want to attend for just a few sessions, others prefer a more open-ended arrangement. We would talk about this in our first session, and review how things are going throughout our time together. I usually suggest we start with six sessions, and review as we go along to see if you’d like to end or extend your counselling.
Normally, clients attend sessions weekly or fortnightly.
will I learn strategies to help me to deal with my difficulties on my own?
The foundation of our sessions will be the relationship between us, which provides space for developing insight and emotional change. Sometimes, however, clients want more ‘direction’ and involvement from their counsellor to help them to use their sessions effectively. I am happy to give clients information about techniques and strategies to help them to manage areas they’re really struggling with (for instance, mindfulness meditation to help with low mood; ‘thought records’ drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help in the understanding of anxiety) or to integrate particular techniques into the sessions (such as EMDR to help resolve traumatic experiences).
length, time and cost of sessions
I am currently working exclusively online (via Zoom or Facetime). The standard rate for a one hour session in £50. Concessions are available.