What is counselling?
Talking about what causes us emotional pain in a trusting environment with someone outside of our everyday lives can be helpful and healing. Counselling is confidential. Using this time to explore emotions, thoughts and behaviours can help a great deal to shed light on difficulties, make meaningful connections and find new ways of managing our issues and outlook on life.
Counselling is a journey built on trust. I view this as a collaborative relationship, a process that may be difficult at times but can also be rewarding when new attitudes and coping strategies are implemented.
My role is helping you gain insight, to expand self-awareness, reach balance and contentment in your life and achieve emotional regulation and focus.
About Counselling (4)
Why should I come for counselling?
Counselling is a way to access support for the big or the little things in your life that you find difficult to cope with alone.
It is a private, confidential process, a safe place where you can explore what is important for you.
It is a private, confidential process, a safe place where you can explore what is important for you.
What does counselling help with?
Counselling can help people cope better with their issues by allowing them to explore matters in a deeper, safe environment. There are also effective coping strategies which can be helpful to put in use during therapy and long after it is finished. It is a process, without a magic wand to instantly fix issues but time and again positive outcomes can be achieved although this is not always the case.
How long will counselling last?
Everyone is different, however, typically 4-8 sessions is fairly typical. Some people prefer to come over an extended time period and this can be discussed.
How should I choose a counsellor?
How should I choose a counsellor?
It is advisable to go through a recommended and reliable source such as a close friend, employer or a Counselling Directory. You can choose from a variety of accredited counsellors who have experience working with a wide number of issues e. g. low self-esteem, suicide, anger, depression and anxiety. Qualifications are important and membership of a nationally governed body such as the BACP or CPCAB or similar to ensure ethical procedures are being practiced.
Helpful Questions (5)
What does evidence-based therapy mean?
What does evidence-based therapy mean?
Evidence-based therapy uses techniques and strategies that have been researched by scientists and determined to be effective in clinical trials. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example of an approach that is generally highly effective for anxiety, depression, anger management, and many other common concerns.
However, this does not mean therapy is a “one size fits all” approach. There are always factors that contribute to a specific therapy being more or less effective for a particular client, similar to how different people respond differently to foods and medication. Part of our work in therapy will include monitoring your progress so we can assess which techniques will be most helpful for you.
However, this does not mean therapy is a “one size fits all” approach. There are always factors that contribute to a specific therapy being more or less effective for a particular client, similar to how different people respond differently to foods and medication. Part of our work in therapy will include monitoring your progress so we can assess which techniques will be most helpful for you.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness, with its roots in Eastern cultures and philosophies is a way of seeking greater self-awareness, encouraging a strong mind-body connection and learning techniques which foster a focus of being present in daily activivites, taking pleasure in doing so. With its chief focus on the here and now, Mindfulness is cultivated the world over by coaches, therapists, physicians and business people as a way of reducing stress and tuning into the power of mind-body capability.
How do I know if therapy is working?
People experience development and growth in a variety of ways. Progress in therapy can mean a sense of a change in attitude toward relationships at work or at home. A reduction in anxiety and increased awareness of emotional triggers or feeling more attuned to values, goals and self. In my practice, I regularly discuss progress and changes experienced with my clients as a way of keeping us both aware of the need for continued avenues of therapy and exploration in positive and productive ways. This also allows us to know when therapy is reaching its conclusion as those needs and issues change.
What happens during the first session?
Typically, the first session is a getting to know each other time. You may be asked for some personal information or to complete a mental health questionnaire. This helps to provide an indication of how you are functioning on a day to day basis and in which areas in particular you feel you are not coping as well. Your counsellor/therapist is used to people feeling nervous and apprehensive during initial sessions and will do all they can to ensure you feel at ease and comfortable to set your own pace.
Where will I see my counsellor?
Depending on which location is easiest for you to reach, there are private counselling rooms available in Glasgow and Lanarkshire locations.
Directions can be provided.
Directions can be provided.
Courage is knowing what not to fear