How I work and what to expect.

How I work and what to expect

I work with adults of all ages, young people from the age of 13 years old, counselling students and some EAP’s.

The first session is an opportunity to get to know each other, to explore what has brought you to therapy and what your hopes are. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions. If we decide to work together, we will sign contracts and begin forming our therapeutic relationship. I suggest meeting weekly for the first few sessions and we will have regular reviews. Counselling does not offer advice yet will help you gain insight and new perspectives. I am here to listen and support you.

Our sessions may include dialogue, psychoeducation, CBT techniques, creative activities, exploring aspects of yourself and your journey and only if you wish. You decide where you would like therapy to go and I will hold your experience with respect and care.

We may explore some of the following themes:-

Exploring and understanding emotions, what they mean for you.

It may be relevant to explore past experiences that have influenced and shaped how you are.

Identifying and understanding patterns of behaviour.

Understanding attachment, communications and thinking and the effect on our lives.

We may talk about what happens in our relationship and use that as a tool for learning.

Focussing on your qualities, strengths and uniqueness.

Think about your relationship with yourself and cultivating self-compassion.

Supporting you with transitions and what that may involve for you.

Use therapy as a tool for self-awareness and greater understanding.

Recognising and celebrating shifts and changes.

All feelings are welcome.

Confidentiality

Our work together is fully confidential. I will not share or disclose any information without your permission. There are exceptions to this such as risk of harm to yourself or others, child protection issues, order from a court of law or plans of acts of terrorism.

As part of my professional requirements, to support my work and clients’ interests, I engage in monthly supervision, and I may discuss our work. This is also confidential.

My Ethical commitment is bound by BACPs code of ethics.

Data protection

Names, telephone numbers and emails with messages are kept on a password protected phone. A signed contract and handwritten notes are kept separately in a locked filing cabinet. I do not share your details with anyone, apart from a clinical executor, who will contact you in case of an emergency, they have access to my clients’ names, telephone numbers and email.