Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling or therapy?
Therapy provides a safe and confidential space, to enable you to talk to a trained professional about any issues and worries you may have. It's vital that you make sure the Counsellor or Therapist, that speak to, is fully qualified. The way to guarantee this, is to check a website, for example, the Counselling Directory or Psychology Today. A counsellor has to be qualified to appear on these directories so you can be confident the Counsellor you select, is qualified and insured. Your therapist can help you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, to help you to develop a better understanding of yourself and the world you live in.
A counsellor will not give you their opinions or advice or prescribe medication. They principally help you to find your own solutions – whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding ways of coping with issues in life.
What happens in counselling?
A counsellor will primarily listen to you and help you to explore your thoughts and feelings and try and understand why you feel this way. A counsellor can also help you to set goals in life and work towards those goals, by exploring your thoughts, feelings and trying to work out why you might act in certain ways, that can sometimes upset our lives. Counselling can help to break certain behaviour patterns in life.
What will happen in our first session?
The first session will be about finding out from you, what you want from therapy and where you want to be. The counsellor will look at your journey so far and how counselling could potentially help going forward. The counsellor may carry out an assessment, which could mean looking at any past events or relationships.
A contract will also be agreed so both the client and counsellor are aware of any boundaries.
How can you get the most from therapy?
The most important thing is to be honest and open with your counsellor. If you don’t feel that you can be fully open or honest, then it could be time to change your counsellor. Your relationship with your counsellor is very important. You should feel safe and able to take risks by disclosing and discussing sensitive issues. This also includes being able to give honest feedback on how you feel about your therapy and if you feel it’s working for you. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable in your therapeutic relationship, then you should speak to the governing body that your therapist is a member of. For example, National Counselling Society or the British Association For Counselling And Psychotherapy (BACP).
What is counselling?
It’s an opportunity to talk through life and any issues you might be having in life with a counsellor, who will be impartial and non-judgemental.
Can a Counsellor ‘fix’ me?
No but a counsellor can help you to find a way to talk through your options and give you the space to explore your options.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
It’s impossible to say how many sessions will be needed until we start to talk.
Can I leave counselling at any time?
Yes, it’s completely up to you when you leave. The time might not be right for you and counselling.
Is online counselling as effective as face-to- face counselling?
Yes, both methods of counselling can be really effective, it all depends on the clients preference for sessions.
What is hypnosis?
Many people describe hypnosis as feeling similar to daydreaming, when they are neither fully alert, nor asleep. Everyone experiences hypnosis differently and therefore descriptions of hypnosis can vary. Hypnosis is usually associated with a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation, and this can be part of the therapy.
Can I get stuck in hypnotherapy?
No, you can always come back to full consciousness at any time.
How does Hypnotherapy work?
The Hypnotherapy session is part talking therapy and part hypnotherapy suggestions. At the start of the session, I will ask you how you are right now, what you want from the session and your goals. The Hypnotherapy suggestions will happen when you are in a deeply relaxed state and your sub conscious mind is open to suggestions. The suggestions will relate to your presenting issue. For example, if you want help with Anxiety the suggestions would include ideas about how to manage anxiety in your life.
Will I remember everything after the session?
Some people can remember everything, and others can't remember the details of the session, but the suggestions become embedded in your sub-conscious mind, so the thoughts are there, just not in your conscious mind.
When can't I be hypnotised?
Hypnotherapy isn't recommended if a client is under the influence of Alcohol, Drugs or if a client has severe mental health problems or a Learning disability. If a Client has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, then GP consent would be required before any Hypnotherapy can take place