"In ordinary life there is no equivalent to the psychotherapeutic situation"
Anthony Storr
Counselling/Therapy involves spending some time with a trained therapist discussing your concerns. Together we work toward arriving at greater understanding of yourself and your problems. The intention is to help you to find a more satisfying way to live your life.
It is the therapists' job to get the client to talk freely and honestly, something that is so difficult to do in ordinary social settings. The therapeutic relationship changes over time and with each encounter. It is one in which you can expect to be heard, understood, held safely when emotionally vulnerable as well as challenged. Essential aspects of the therapeutic process are:
- identifying your resources,
- recognising your strengths and
- working toward your hopes for the future.
You may find it difficult at first to be with someone who listens to YOU and focuses on YOUR story. However, most clients find it so helpful to put their concerns into words that they actually look forward to their visits. It provides the opportunity to explore what they really want and believe about their lives. One client commented at the end of the work together "I will miss having the chance to share my thoughts in confidence knowing I and them will be accepted".
Your search for greater insight, understanding and autonomy will be further enhanced by including opportunities for you to use of self help materials and activities and to receive honest feedback and support.
All sessions are conducted in private and the need for confidentiality is respected at all times.
Your first appointment serves three purposes: -
- To identify the reason/s for your concern
- To give you the opportunity to decide whether the therapeutic approach available is right for you
- To enable you and your therapist to decide how best to proceed.
There is no binding contract at any time but both, the therapist and yourself will agree on how to work together safely, ethically and respectfully to enable an effective outcome.
Appointments must be made prior to all sessions and notice must be given of cancellation of appointments. The duration of most sessions will be approximately one hour and the number of sessions will be agreed between yourself and your therapist.