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About counselling
Definitions of counselling are as varied as those who practise
it and I have added yet another one on my Home page above. Rather than offer
you more generalizations about the nature of counselling, below I describe
what would happen if you decided to work with me as your counsellor.
How we would work together
Initial contact
After brief initial contact by phone or e-mail, during which
I would ask you for contact details, I would see you in person for a 50 minute
consultation when we would talk about what your needs are and how they might
best be addressed.
Consultation interview
The purpose of the consultation interview is to offer you
a place and time to talk confidentially and for me to listen attentively to
what you are saying and, perhaps, what is not being said. Together I will explore
with you what has prompted you to come and see me. This could involve clarifying
what that is, and thinking about the most appropriate source of help for you.
If we decide that counselling is your preferred
option, we will discuss the number and frequency of sessions and what you think
you would want to talk about during those sessions. We will also agree a payment
for each session and a time when we can meet regularly, if that is appropriate.
We would then sign a contract (see page below) committing ourselves to these
arrangements. Sessions are usually arranged for the same day and time each
week so that you can organize your time effectively in order to meet this new
commitment. If you prefer, you can take time to decide whether to go ahead
or not – you may want to discuss this with family and friends – and call me
when you have made your decision.
On-going counselling
The counselling I offer would be a conversation
in which we both take part and which focusses on the agenda we have agreed.
Sometimes, however, what you are feeling or thinking might, at first, be puzzling
to you or difficult to name in which case together we would explore what you
are experiencing and address what emerges as counselling continues. My part
in this conversation is to listen carefully and offer you feedback on what
I am hearing and experiencing when with you. Your part is to talk as openly
as possible about yourself and your relationships with others. This conversation
may last for one counselling session or continue for a number of sessions.
The aims of the work that we do together will
be to explore what concerns you, to understand how you are experiencing it
and, if appropriate, to take action to bring about changes that will make a
difference to you.
Doubts and questions?
Perhaps you are still not sure whether counselling is what
you need now, or you have some questions you would like to ask me? I would
be very willing to answer your questions or to explore your doubts, either
briefly on the phone or at more length during the initial Consultation. Making
an appointment for a Consultation does not commit you to on-going counselling.
If you have any doubts it's important that you take your time to think about
how you want to proceed and, if necessary, ask me further questions.
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