Frequently Asked Questions
- How many counselling sessions will I need?
- What happens if I cannot think of what to say?
- When do I know when it is time to end counselling?
- How do I know if a counsellor is qualified?
How many counselling sessions will I need?
Every client is different and the number of sessions you need will be decided between us. This could be anything from six weeks to a number of years if you want to work on deeper issues.
My initial contract with clients is for six weeks and we can renegotiate this if needed.
What happens if I cannot think of what to say?
There are many reasons why you may not be able to think of what to say. Most people find it hard to talk about personal and painful issues to complete strangers. Some people who come for counselling do so because they feel confused and do not know what the problem is. One of the aims of counselling is to help you clarify and express your thoughts and feelings.
Most counsellors are qualified practitioners who will treat you with respect, create a non-judgemental space for you to find your own answers. They belong to a professional body like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which sets standards and guidelines on how its members work with clients. I am a member of the BACP. I offer a warm and confidential space in line with BACP guidelines. I will show acceptance and empathy, so you will begin to feel safe and trust the counselling process. This is a necessary condition for an effective counselling relationship and outcome.
When do I know when it is time to end counselling?
Clients are usually ready to end when they feel they have achieved the goals which have formed the focus of counselling. It is important that counselling does not go on longer than is necessary or end abruptly. That is why most counsellors will always discuss and plan endings together with their clients.
I feel that an ending is as important a part of counselling as the beginning and the middle, so I take great care to help my clients through this stage of counselling. We will review what we have done; talk about the need to end; look at your feelings on past endings; and discuss any unfinished business between us.
How do I know if a counsellor is qualified?
Most professional counsellors have membership of one or more professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). A professional body such as the BACP will check the counsellor’s qualifications before including his or her name on their register of qualified counsellors. Counselling and psychotherapy professional bodies have websites where you can check their register to find out more about a counsellor and her qualifications.
As a BACP member you can find out more about me and my qualifications by visiting the BACP website at www.bacp.co.uk and clicking on the Find a Therapist section and selecting North London.