Learn more about the counselling therapy sessions we offer

 

 

Is it difficult to get to you?

Not at all! I’m only 20 mins from Glasgow. Clients who travel to see me tell me that they appreciate having some time alone on the journey home to “process” the session.

 

How do I know if the counsellor I’ve chosen is qualified?

Registration for counsellors has recently become compulsory, and counsellors will be a member of a professional body and abide by it’s Code of Ethics and Practice. The following organisations hold registers of members and have a formal complaints procedure:

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Counselling in Scotland (COSCA)

National Counselling Society.

 

What happens if I can’t attend an appointment?

I appreciate if you call to let me know if you can’t come, and if you wish to, I can re-schedule the appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be charged for, as will appointments missed without notice.

 

What does “confidential” mean?

Anything discussed during the session stays there; I don’t disclose any information to third parties without client consent. I have supervision of my work where some content of the sessions may be discussed but my clients' identity is never revealed. My supervisor(s) will also hold confidentiality. However there may be some situations where there may be a danger of harm to my client or to someone else; in this situation, I may feel unable to hold confidentiality. If this were the case, I would discuss my course of action with my client beforehand, where-ever possible.

 

How often do I attend and how many sessions will I need?

Most clients have their appointments weekly. This seems to allow most people enough time between sessions to mull things over without losing the continuity. Sometimes, when coming to the end of a course of therapy the appointments may be spaced out more, perhaps fortnightly or monthly as required.

The number of sessions varies, just like individuals. Some people only need one or two, while others need longer-term work. The number of sessions can be left open-ended, or a set number may be agreed on at the start and reviewed as counselling progresses.

​

Is there anything I can’t talk about?

Anything you wish to talk about will be accepted in a non-judgemental way, however, it is up to you what you wish to tell me, and at what pace you wish to go. There will be no pressure on you to go in a particular direction.

​

I’m concerned that talking about issues in counselling will upset me, and may leave me feeling worse, is this likely?

This is a concern clients' frequently express. Talking about certain situations and disturbing feelings can be difficult, and it may bring up lots of different feeling in you. My aim in working with you is to keep this safe. I aim to work with you to meet YOUR needs, and this is always my focus.

In counselling, you will be encouraged to explore different aspects of your life and feelings, freely and openly in a way that is often not possible with those closest to you. Bottled up feelings such as anxiety, grief, guilt, embarrassment and shame can become very intense and when these can be explored often they become easier to understand and handle. Unacknowledged feelings that are able to be looked at in a safe way, with support, can help people move on. The expression of feelings will be encouraged in a way that is safe for you.