Question 1

What kind of problems can counselling help me with?

Accepted Answer

Counselling can help with a wide range of concerns including:
Abuse
Addiction
Anger
Anxiety and stress
Bereavement and loss
Carer responsibilities
Depression
Divorce
Eating disorders
Health issues
Major life changes
OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
Phobias and fears
Redundancy and work issues
Relationship difficulties
Sexuality
Trauma
Violence
Worry

Question 2

How long do I need to stay in Counselling?

Accepted Answer

You are in control of how long you have counselling, Short term counselling is a good step for people who do not want to make a long commitment or have a particular issue to work with, such as a relationship difficulty. It is often used by people who have had counselling in the past and want to return to work on a particular issue. Short term counselling is usually 6 plus weeks but it is ok to have one or two sessions if you feel that’s right for you. It’s your journey. 
Long term counselling can help support you through life experiences, it may start with a particular issue or concern, but sometimes we need the support of a counsellor to work through our existence in life.

Question 3

What if I can’t afford Counselling?

Accepted Answer

I offer a limited number of concession spaces for students, counselling students, NHS workers, or those on a low income. I don’t want to exclude anyone from counselling so please get in touch and we can talk through your options together.

Question 4

Are you able to give me advice about how to solve my problem?

Accepted Answer

No, I am not here to give you advice or tell you what to do, but we can explore your problem together and see if we can come up with some suggestions of how you can solve your problem - taking the time to look at your options.

Question 5

How does confidentiality work?

Accepted Answer

Basically, whatever you say in Counselling, stays in Counselling. However, there are times when I am legally obligated to break confidentiality:
Harm to self or others? If I believe that you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or someone else, a family member, the police or ambulance will be called to ensure safety.
A child under the age of 16 or older adult in care is in danger? In these cases, Family and Children’s Services or the police will be called.
As part of the BACP code of Ethics I attend regular supervision sessions to ensure I am working ethically and in your best interest, but I will always protect your identity. 
I have a legal obligation to report criminal acts such as money laundering or acts of terrorism.
Some Counsellors (myself included) carry confidentiality into the community. I inform clients that if I see them in the community, I will not say hello. I don’t want to put anyone in a situation where they have to explain how they know me. I am always open to speaking to clients outside of the counselling room, but they get to make first contact.