Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need counselling / psychotherapy?

Counselling sessions can help you to gain clarity on an issue, change old patterns, untangle complex personal issues, or embark on a journey of self-development. You may seek counselling as a result of a crisis, or you may be encouraged to seek counselling by family members, friends or colleagues.

What happens in a counselling session?

Counsellor provides a safe environment in which to explore your issues, and is highly trained in listening and reflecting. With most types of therapy you are free to discuss what you wish, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, and thoughts, to regrets, aspirations, memories and dreams.

Other, shorter-term forms of therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be more structured, and can provide practical exercises to help you understand your thoughts and actions.

What issues can therapy help with?

Therapy can be helpful for a broad range of issues and problems. Some of the more common reasons people seek therapy are: depression or low mood, stress and anxiety, fears and phobias, trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger management, eating and body image issues, self-harm, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), abuse and many, many more issues.

Will talking about issues in the first session itself be a problem?

Many people worry about 'clamming up' when they first come for counselling / psychotherapy. However, in reality it rarely happens. Everyone is different so we will try and find a way of doing things that feels OK for you.