Frequently asked questions

Q. What type of counselling do you provide?

Counselling for people with relationship difficulties:
During a lasting relationship, a couple can face a series of important decisions and turning points. For example, whether to get married, how to adjust to pregnancy and the birth of a baby, problems with health, work-related issues and problems as the couple grow older. Relationship counselling enables the couple to examine and decide how best to cope with these difficulties in a private and safe environment with the help of a professional counsellor.

Counselling for people considering separation or divorce:
The ending of a marriage or a long relationship is generally a slow and painful process. Counselling can help people going through this to overcome emotional difficulties and develop the confidence to rebuild their lives. Particular emphasis is placed on helping parents achieve stable and workable arrangements for their children.

Counselling for people with sexual problems:
Sexual problems can affect many couples and individuals. Sometimes the problem is long standing whilst at other times it is linked to recent events causing stress and unhappiness. I am trained to work with sexual problems in the context of a couple's relationship. Some sexual difficulties are a symptom of difficulties in a relationship and as the relationship improves so can the sexual relationship. In other cases the difficulties can be more deep seated. Where appropriate I will refer to a BASRT Psychosexual Therapist.

Counselling for Individual Difficulties:
Many apparently individual issues can cause difficulties in a couple relationship. These include such things as low self-esteem, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, past abuse and depression. I am happy to work on an individual basis with these difficulties.

All Counselling is subject to an initial mutual assessment in which we discuss the possibilities for working together.

Q. What does a session cost?
A session costs £30 and lasts for one hour. Occasionally I can reduce this fee, for clients who are suffering financial hardship.

Q. How many sessions do I need?
There is no rule! Clients may like to think in terms of an initial six sessions, although counselling can often end sooner. During the sixth session we will look at what has been achieved and how to move forward. Some clients like to take a break and return later (or not at all), others like to continue.

Q. What if I can't attend an appointment?
If you have to cancel an appointment please let me know as soon as possible. Cancellations made less than 2 working days
before the appointment will be charged at the standard rate for a session i.e. £30

Q. What does confidentiality mean?
Everything that we discuss is confidential. The only exception would be if I considered that there was a risk of harm to yourselves or another. In this instance I would have to reconsider confidentiality but would consult you, if possible. All my work is clinically supervised but client anonymity is respected.

Q. How can counselling help me?
Counselling helps you to take time out from your situation and see it from a fresh perspective. Working with a counsellor gives you, or you and your partner, a chance to think about what you can do to change your situation for the better. It can also give you a chance to explore complex or difficult issues in a safe and confidential environment.

Q. Can I come on my own?
Yes. Whether you are single, or if you have a partner who doesn't want to come, or you simply want to discuss things alone, you are welcome to bring any aspect of your current, past or future relationships to couple counselling by yourself.

Q. Do I have to be married?
No, couple counselling offers therapy to anyone whether or not they are married, in a committed relationship, or on their own and whatever their age, race, gender, personal beliefs sexual orientation or social background.

Q. Will I be told what to do?
It will be up to you to decide what changes you can/want to make. Positive interventions can be used to make a real difference in helping you to sort out your difficulties, by enabling you to look at the difficulties and possible solutions in detail and from different angles and new perspectives.

Q. What if separation is the only answer?
Whilst it is a difficult decision, especially if there are children involved, sometimes separation is the right solution.
By helping you to talk to each other and helping you to come to terms with the ending, counselling can help to make the break less acrimonious.

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