What to Expect
You may be wondering what to expect, particularly if you've never had counselling before. I hope I can answer some of the questions you may have but please do reach out to me if anything is unclear or if you'd like to know more.
Where do sessions take place?
I work either in-person counselling in Wokingham town centre at The Cornerstone or online depending on your preference and availability.
The Cornerstone is a lovely setting with a free car park for visitors across the road, street parking and a disabled parking bay at the front of the building. There is wheelchair user access via a lift the first floor where the waiting room and my counselling room are located.
When I work online it is from a private space to protect your confidentiality. Working online means you are able to have counselling from the comfort of your own home or another safe space where you won't be overheard so you can be free to talk openly.
How often do sessions take place?
Sessions are usually held at the same time, on the same day, weekly. Regular sessions and commitment are part of the process and help you get the most out of our time together. Weekly sessions give you time to reflect in between sessions without loosing the thread of the work if they are more sporadic.
How long do sessions last?
Each session lasts 50 minutes.
How long will I need therapy?
This very much depends on what you want to work on and varies from person to person. If you have a particular time frame in mind please let me know and we can focus our work accordingly. If you prefer an open ended approach, we will have regular reviews and work towards an ending whenever you feel ready.
How will we end our sessions?
We will work towards an agreed ending or, if you decide you want to end at any point, there is no obligation to continue. It is always beneficial to have a final session where the work can be reviewed together.
How do I know you're qualified?
Counselling is not regulated within the UK so it is important to find a counsellor who has had appropriate training and is a member of a professional body to ensure they work ethically with you. I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). You can look me up here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Register.
How do you work?
I am an 'integrative counsellor' which means that I can draw upon a range of different therapeutic approaches in order to support you as an individual.
See my About Me page.
How will I feel?
Each person's experience of counselling is individual but it is common to feel nervous at first. It takes courage to allow yourself to feel vulnerable. During the process you will probably experience a range of emotions and we can explore those together. You may feel tired after a session, this is normal, so it may be beneficial to have some free time after before returning to your other tasks/work etc.
What about my data?
As someone who handles your data, it is important to let you know that I comply with current legislation; this includes the General Data Protection Regulation EU/2016/679 (the GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003. I hope that this will help you to trust that I hold your data securely and am committed to your privacy. I am registered with ICO and comply with their guidelines on collecting, storing and destroying your data. I have a Privacy Policy and will supply this along with my contract if you decide to work with me.