Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at an assessment?
The assessment is a chance for us to meet and get to know one another. It’s an opportunity for me to understand what’s brought you to therapy and gives you the space to ask any questions and see if I’m the right therapist for you.
What is counselling?
Counselling involves building a therapeutic relationship with a trained professional. It is where you can discuss, explore and make sense of your difficulties in a safe, non-judgmental, respectful and confidential space. It is an opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Counselling can include talking about past and present life events, your feelings, emotions, relationships, ways of thinking and patterns of behaviour.
In the counselling process, you are an expert in your life and can contribute to the decision-making process. A counsellor can help guide you to this part of yourself. Importantly, counselling is not about giving you the counsellor's opinions, solutions to your problems or prescribing medication. A counsellor will not try to persuade you to a particular point of view. Instead, the process of counselling is about a counsellor guiding you and enabling you to work towards finding your own meanings, truths and solutions.
The counselling work might involve:
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Developing a better understanding of yourself and others.
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Helping to make sense of your world.
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Working towards change and self-empowerment.
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Exploring options on how to manage and accept problems.
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To help manage your distress and develop positive coping strategies.
In counselling sessions there is no need to ‘take care’ of anyone else’s feelings or reactions; It is not just a friendly chat like you would have with friends or family. Instead, it is a safe space purely to focus on you, so that you have the freedom to work towards gaining more health and happiness in your life.
How do I know if I need counselling?
Sometimes it is difficult to know. Nevertheless, In helping you to understand, you can start by considering what exactly you are seeking help for.
We all go through ups and downs in life, but to different degrees; mildly, moderately and severely for example. Sometimes we do not have the resources or support to deal with issues. People come to counselling for so many reasons and usually, because their mind or body is telling them there are issues that need to be addressed.
Some people can resolve issues by doing things such as reading, self-help activities, and talking to a friend, family member or trusted mentor. However, sometimes these difficulties or issues can persist, even when you have tried to resolve them. At this point, or if you feel you cannot do these things, counselling could help. You do not have to be in crisis or on the verge of one before choosing to have counselling. You do not have to work through difficulties alone and there is strength in asking for help.
How do counselling sessions work?
Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes and to get the best from the process, it is recommended to have weekly attendance.
Counselling is currently available via Zoom or by telephone.
After the initial twenty-minute telephone consultation, if you decide to go ahead with counselling, we would arrange your first session. This is a chance for you to understand more about myself as a counsellor and how I work. It is your chance to ask questions about anything you would like to know or are unsure about.
We would then discuss and agree to a counselling contract.
This is where we agree on the terms about how we will work together and includes information relating to fees, confidentiality and so on. This will be a printed document for us both to sign. The rest of the first session will be an invitation for you to give a history of the problems that have brought you to counselling, to ‘tell your story’. This may continue on to further sessions depending on what you bring. This information helps to make an initial assessment of your circumstance and the type of counselling approach best suited to your needs.
We will then agree to some goals for the counselling, and what you would like to reasonably get out of the counselling process.
The rest of the work will vary depending on what these will be but could include;
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General discussions about what you are feeling
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Looking at specific thoughts, feelings or behaviours
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Looking at childhood
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Looking at your relationships
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Looking at past and present life events
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Looking at situations you find difficult
Depending on the type of counselling approach that is best for you, there may be homework for you to complete outside of sessions. We will agree to an amount of counselling sessions that may be appropriate and will hold regular reviews of this, where we can discuss how the counselling sessions are going.
Monitoring forms are optional but can be used before, during and after the counselling sessions to help review progress and positive changes made. These can be discussed at the initial telephone consultation.
How long will I need counselling?
Counselling attendance is usually weekly, however, how often you see a counsellor and how many appointments you have will depend on your individual circumstances and can be discussed with your counsellor.
The number of sessions needed will depend on your unique circumstances and needs. Some people might want to fully work through all issues and problems, whereas some people may want help with learning tools, and ways to cope and deal with life’s challenges for example. However, we recommend six to eight sessions as starting point with a review after that.
It is worth bearing in mind that once you start sessions, new issues can arise that you were not previously aware of. Additionally, it is also possible to also see improvement faster than you expected.
How do I get the most out of counselling?
Thinking about your reasons for wanting counselling, what goals you have, and trusting and committing to the counselling process are some ways to help you get the most out of your counselling.
Will counselling sessions be confidential?
All information disclosed in counselling sessions is treated as confidential. However, there are specific circumstances where if you were to pose a danger to yourself or others, in which it may be necessary to breach confidentiality. Wherever possible you will be informed before any action is taken. However, this will be discussed further in the first session during contracting. Please see the Privacy Policy for more information.
What does Integrative mean?
Integrative means that I am trained to work with a variety of different therapeutic approaches. This knowledge allows me to tailor-make therapy to your individual needs
How do I know I will receive a professional service?
As a registered BACP (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) member, I work within the BACP Ethical Framework. This ensures I work ethically and safely, and I always strive to offer the highest quality service.
My partner, friend, or family member really needs therapy. Can I refer someone for counselling?
You may be worried about someone's well-being and would like to see them have counselling, but it really is best if that person can reach out for support themselves. Core Connections Counselling can take enquiries from you on behalf of someone else, but you should have their full consent and they would need to undertake the initial phone consultation.
What are your fees and cancellation policy?
Payments for sessions are required by bank transfer 48 hours in advance.
As with many professional services, there is a strict cancellation and missed session policy. This will be discussed with you during your first session and be agreed upon before counselling will commence.
Clients are required to give a minimum of 48 hours notice of any cancelled sessions. Any and all missed sessions outside of the agreed terms will be charged at full fee, including holidays, work commitments, illness and other emergencies.
Do you have online therapy?
Yes, all counselling is currently offered via Zoom video calls or telephone. Availability for face-to-face will be open soon.