What is the free informal chat?

It is very important that you feel able to work with me. And that I feel equipped to work with the issues you wish to discuss. The 30 minute informal chat is not a counselling session. But we will probably cover the issues you want to talk about so that I can begin to understand them. Instead it is a chance to find out if I can offer what you need and if you feel I am the right counsellor for you. In my blog you can read an article on some of the questions to ask a counsellor to help you find the right one for you.

How do sessions work?

As a client-focussed counsellor, I aim to be as flexible as possible. But certain boundaries are important to any relationship. I offer weekly sessions that last 50 minutes. I will keep an eye on time so that you don’t have to. They are usually at the same time each week so that you have a definite time each week that is your space. They can be arranged face to face in Bromsgrove, online or by phone, or a mix of all three.

How how many sessions will I need?

Everyone is different. Some feel they get what they want from counselling after a few sessions. Others prefer a more long-term approach. Some use counselling a bit like a massage or a trip to the gym - a regular check up and check in on moods and emotions.

I am led by what you want and need. That is why I don’t require you to commitment to a minimum number of sessions. I don’t set a maximum either. We can review where you’re at, how counselling is working for you and what you need from the relationship. The important thing is the communication between us. I may ask you about your decisions but I always recognise that whatever you choose to do, it will be the right choice for you at the time.

What does it cost?

Each session costs £55 for 50 minutes. Generally they are scheduled 1-2 weeks in advance to give you flexibility. If you need to cancel I just ask that you give me at least 24 hrs notice or a cancellation cost will apply.

Alongside my private practice work I provide low-cost counselling as an unpaid counsellor for Cotswold Counselling based in Cirencester.

What commitment do I have to make?

None. I won’t ask you to commit to a minimum number of sessions. But my type of counselling is effective where we can develop a therapeutic relationship over some time. So I recommend coming to any counselling with that in mind. The main commitment is to counselling - that you feel ready and able to engage with the therapeutic process.

Will I have to talk about things I don’t want to talk about?

No. As a client-focussed counsellor I am led by your pace. It is not about my agenda. When you’re ready to talk about anything, that’s when we can talk about it. I will help you explore what you want to talk about, but you are in control.

Is there a waiting list?

To ensure I am an effective counsellor for my clients and for my own self care, I limit the number of people I work with at any one time. I am careful to manage my workload so am generally able to see new clients quickly.

What type of counsellor are you?

It may come as a surprise to discover that there are many, many different types of counsellor. They can range from psychodynamic in the tradition of Sigmund Freud, more relational counsellors like me, to purely ‘CBT’ ones that focus on coping and ‘change’ techniques.

I am an ‘integrative’ counsellor. This means that I am trained in the ‘person-centred’ approach, which prioritise the power of the therapeutic relationship, combined with the analytical psychodynamic approach pioneered by Freud. Put simply, I believe the relationship we develop between us creates the place where the analysis of your experience is possible. Empathy and a lack of judgement are the keys to my approach. Through that process your self awareness may improve, enabling you to recognise and make choices about your life.

Different clients prefer or suit different types of counsellor. It is important for you to find the right one for you. That’s why I offer an introductory informal chat.