How I Work...
There are many different theoretical approaches to counselling. The approach I mainly use is Person-Centered / Integrative. Clients come to me for help with a wide range of issues. I work slightly differently with each new client I meet as I endeavour to respect that everyone is an individual and treat them as such.
I will not tell you what to do, or give advice, but will aim to provide a safe and confidential place in which you can talk about yourself, your problems, concerns and hopes, and where you can decide what, if any, changes you may wish to make in your life. I will endeavour to help you in this process in a way that is supportive, empowering and where needed, challenging too. Although I cannot deny that some of the issues explored during therapy may be painful, I hope you find the experience of counselling an enriching one. I hope that you will come to feel comfortable, trusting and sufficiently supported to bring any issues you may wish to explore.
Counselling is a process, which takes time and commitment. Individual sessions are usually weekly at the same time and day. I hope that we can work together for as long as you feel necessary. Many issues can be resolved in short-term work, whilst others may require longer-term therapy. *Please note my assurance that therapy will not be overextended and will always be focused on your working towards independence.
First Appointment / Assessment
Our first meeting is an assessment to make sure that the help being offered is appropriate, so a lot of information gathering takes place during this session, which last for an hour. This may highlight specific events or issues that are impacting you and your enjoyment of life. The information provided will help towards deciding if counselling is for you. If at the end of this assessment I think I can help and we feel we would like to work together, we then plan our arrangements together exploring also if it is likely to be short term, long term, open ended or sometimes solution focused.
Generally an initial contract would be for six sessions with a review on the sixth session. At the review we will look at how the counselling is going, any changes needed or requested, further sessions booked or plan an ending, all with keeping your best interests at the forefront.
Confidentiality
Everything we discuss will be kept strictly confidential. However, it is possible that in particular circumstances I may feel it is appropriate to inform someone else of an issue raised in our work, for example; if I believed that you or someone else was at risk of serious harm.
Code of Ethics
I am a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I am bound by its Code of Ethics and Practice and subject to its complaints procedure.
Contact Me
Wisteria House 1 Wayside Drive, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 3EZ.
07799 664418