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Frequently Asked Questions
> About Counselling & Psychotherapy
Because good therapy can change your life for the better, and that typically makes life easier for those around you, too.
That’s a decision for you to make, based on your attitude toward money, your financial situation and your appetite for positive change. How much would you pay to feel on top of things, calm, contented, focused?
There’s no guarantee that any treatment will work, whether it’s medical, psychological or homeopathic. I use some standard psychological measures with my clients; we typically find that they feel significantly better in themselves within 6 sessions and that this gets bedded in by session 12. Some choose to work for longer.
That’s okay. I’m used to helping clients work out what the sense of discomfort is and decide what change they would like to see. Occasionally goals can be vague or complex, and that’s okay too. They become clearer as our work unfolds.
I can’t speak for all coaches, but they tend to focus on maximising your potential. I don’t. I want you to feel in control of your life, and proud of what you have already achieved, so that any further goals you achieve are truly fulfilling.
> About working with me
The technical answer is: relational, humanistic, medium/long-term, integrative work.
In other words, if you want real human connection, additional perspective and insight, supportive challenge and optimism for change, then book a free discovery call today.
I only work with adults. Preferably face to face, but I can sometimes offer online sessions.
I don’t work with under 18s.
I don’t offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I don’t offer short-term or solution-focused therapy or tell you what to do.
I don’t diagnose neurodivergent conditions or mental health conditions, but am happy to explore your concerns about these and discuss whether you want to see a clinical psychologist for official diagnosis. I have a neuro-affirmative attitude and a special interest in ADHD. I will always try to accommodate your needs and can signpost you to some great specialist resources.
I don’t work with couples or families yet – strictly one person only. But we can explore the dynamics of your relationships with others. Many clients find this very helpful.
I don’t offer a crisis response service – you can’t rely on me in an emergency, because my phone is often switched off. But we can discuss putting other support in place for you, if we need to, to work together safely.
My first priority is your emotional stability, so we don’t discuss your problems or past in detail, just a basic outline of what you are struggling with. I may ask some questions, but they are unlikely to be about the past or how you are feeling; more about how you are affected in your daily life.
I explain to you a little bit about how I work and how that might fit with your issue. If I realise I can’t help you, or that you’re better off with a specialist, or a different type of therapy, I’ll be honest about this.
Then we choose: do you want to work with me? If so, I’ll book you in. If not, you can ask me whatever you want about finding other people or services that might be helpful. I'll do my best for you.
We’ll start by agreeing how we will work together, covering our relationship, confidentiality, your safety/stability and the basics of how to book, pay, cancel, etc.
We then go through some standard questions together, nothing too deep at first, just fact-finding and assessing risk. That said, many clients find this process of telling their story very therapeutic.
If you have any specific questions before we meet, I'm happy to answer these on email beforehand.
Yes. I practice out of different locations (currently in Clifton Moor, York and in Sherburn-in-Elmet), but always insist that my rooms are wheelchair accessible.
I find counselling better in person than online. I just find it easier to attune to clients who are in the room with me, and it seems easier for us to make a connection, or 'therapeutic alliance', which is the most important ingredient for effective psychotherapy.
Counselling in Clifton Moor, York on Mondays and Fridays
Counselling sessions in Sherburn-in-Elmet on Wednesdays
I do offer Online counselling sessions on Tuesday evenings to ensure I am accessible for those who can't leave the house, or for those occasions when my face to face clients need more flexibility.
about free discovery calls
session 1 what to expect in face to face counselling
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