Frequently asked questions in counselling
What types of mental health do you work with in counselling?
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addiction
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anger
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anxiety
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bereavement/loss
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borderline personality disorder
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depression
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dissociative identity disorder
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domestic violence
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Health concerns - relating to the emotions surrounding them
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PTSD
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relationship concerns (1:1 counselling only)
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suicidal thought
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self harming
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stress and burnout
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Trauma
However I encourage you to be open during your counselling sessions and talk about whatever may come up for you, everything you have to say is important and may lead to further exploration or be linked with something else. All your words, thoughts and feelings are welcome. You will not be shamed or judged in the therapy room.
What to expect in counselling sessions
First session
The first session is a chance to meet each other and see if you feel we could work together, it is important that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist and feel safe and secure within your therapeutic journey. This is a no obligation, session where we can discuss what you would like to bring to future sessions and ask any questions or querying any concerns you may have.
Time and frequency of counselling sessions
Counselling sessions last for 50 mins and it is advised to start with weekly sessions, however I am aware that finances can be challenging and so it is possible to start with fortnightly sessions.
The reason sessions are 50 minutes is because while the client is only in the room physically for 50 minutes, in the therapists mind they are indeed there for the full hour as 10 minutes between sessions are distributed equally between clients so they actually get a full hour of the therapists focus, this includes writing notes after the session.
How many counselling sessions
This depends on each individual, sessions are open ended so you have the choice, you may wish to specify a certain amount and review towards the end or you may wish to leave that choice open, both options are available.
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Online counselling sessions what to expect & prepare for
Benefits of online counselling​
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Online counselling therapy can be from your own home at a time that suits you.
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There's no chance you may be seen entering the counsellor’s practice.
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At a place and time that suits you. People have busy lives and travelling to and from a therapist’s place of work can take time and maybe you can't make therapy during the day so it is useful to be able to have that real flexibility.
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If you travel a lot for work or socially, online counselling can provide support regularly no matter where you are. As long as the place you are calling from is confidential, sessions can continue to take place even if you are not at home.
Possible challenges with online/telephone counselling​​
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If you use a hearing aid, you may find telephone therapy challenging. This issue could also occur during video call therapy should the video freeze at any point.
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If you rely on non-verbal clues
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If you don't have a safe, confidential space with which to attend your sessions
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What happens if I miss sessions
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Missing counselling sessions can negatively impact your mental health and treatment. Counselling is a collaborative process and flexibility is recognised. But it is strongly advised that if you need to miss a session try to inform your counsellor in advance so you can work together to reschedule. Too many missed sessions can disrupt the process, it can feel like you are starting again and can sometimes be unsafe for your mental health too.