Frequently Asked Questions
When you start to look for counselling in Lincolnshire, you will no doubt have questions. You are not alone. Below you will find a list of the questions I get asked the most. Remember, there are no silly questions, so if you have a question that isn’t answered below, please do get in touch.
Each counsellor has their own way of starting therapy – I like to begin with an informal process to include:
Introductions
I will spend a few minutes introducing myself and explaining how I work. Please feel free to ask me about my qualifications and experience, your therapy or anything you’re not sure about. I want to make sure you feel at ease by sorting out basic things like where you would like to sit, and what you would like to be called – I only every use my proper name when I am being told off
Assessment
As your therapist I like to get a brief history of the problems you’re experiencing. I like to do my own assessment, and although you may have been referred to me for counselling I make my own assessments. One of the things I like to do is judge where you are starting from – this process asks questions that may feel intrusive and can be difficult – but they really help to give a picture of how you are feeling at this present time. The bases of this is that should you wish to continue with the therapy process we can revisit this and hopefully you will have shifted in your thought process’. One of the final questions I will ask you at this point is what is it you feel has brought you for therapy? We are not looking for the answers, nor are we looking for you to have a clear understanding of why you have reached out – but a broad feeling of how things are for you right now.
Contracting
This really is so important for both parties. I am governed by the safe and ethical framework of the BACP. Within the contracting stage, I explain the process of therapy, the need for confidentiality, what you can expect from me and similarly what I expect from you. In counselling, it is key to have boundaries, both professional and emotional. During the contracting stage you will be notified of your rights of complaint and the methods that are in place should you have any concerns. The contract will need to be signed and returned to me before the counselling can take place. This first session is important for making sure that you feel comfortable with me as your therapist and my way of working. You don’t have to continue with the therapy if you can’t relate to me or don’t feel safe. If this is the case please don’t rule out therapy – it might just be that we are not the right fit – this sometimes happens. It has to feel like the right place and the right time for you to get the most out of counselling.
You’ll get the best results from your therapy if you’re open and honest with me and say how you’re really feeling. No question or feeling is ever ‘silly’ or ‘stupid’ – they are your feelings are they should be heard and owned. As a team we will explore these feelings and begin to try and make sense of why you might be feeling the way that you do. I will state at this point that I will not do the work for you – that must come from within. The logo of the business is a bulb – you are that bulb and given the right conditions for growth you will grow and bloom. And I will be with you every step of the way. The relationship is established is therefore especially important. If we are to work effectively together, you should feel safe and able to take risks by disclosing and discussing sensitive issues. That includes being able to give me honest feedback on how you feel about your therapy and how well we are working together.
People often worry about coming to counselling as they fear that they might get “found out” or that when talking about their issues the person they are talking to will then tell others. Let me allay your fears from the start. The therapy space is your space – no question or feeling is every silly or stupid. You will be treated with the utmost respect and regard and in everything kept confidential. There are a few occasions whereby this confidentiality would need to be breached, for example:
- If you are involved in money laundering
- Acts of terrorism
- Or if I felt that you were at significant harm to yourself or others.
Otherwise our therapy sessions stay between us – whether you choose to discuss it with others is down to you. You are in control of the process!
The therapy that I offer is priced at £40 per hour. The first half hour assessment is free.
If you would like to book a block of therapy sessions of 6 then the therapeutic hour is charged at £30.
To book your free assessment, get in touch
Stil Have Questions?
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- Fully BACP Certified Counselling
- Calm, relaxing surroundings
- Understand the cause of your issues
- Find the peace you seek