Here are some commonly asked questions which may help you in deciding whether counselling or psychotherapy is for you.
What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy offers clients a private, safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment where they can explore problems, or issues of concern, or conflict. Generally -
Counsellors: are trained to deal mainly with the client's presenting issues and work in the 'here and now'. That is to say, looking at the present, day-to-day issues rather than delving into the past. It is usual for counselling to be short term, and it can offer new coping mechanisms or ways of dealing with the current conflicts.
Psychotherapists: are trained to look beyond the presenting problems to possible underlying causes. Psychotherapy is a long term commitment which can take months or even years.
A therapist can then help you to gain a perspective about the issue(s) troubling you. Together we would explore the cause(s) of your problem(s) and consider what might be stopping you from reaching your full potential. The aim of the therapeutic process is to enable you to understand and accept yourself, to change your behaviour to that which is more productive and rewarding for you, and to help you to move towards becoming the kind of person you want to be.
What Sort of Issues Do Clients Bring to Counselling?
There is no definitive list of issues. You can bring any issue that is causing you difficulties. Some of the more common issues include
Abuse
Adoption
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Bereavement or Loss
Depression
General Counselling
Identity Problems
Life Changes
Low Self Esteem or Self Confidence
Relationships
Personal Development
Stress.
Anyone can choose to go for counselling. There are no restrictions but in my private practice I do not see clients under the age of 16 years. Counselling can be undertaken on an individual basis, or as a couple, or in groups.
What About Confidentiality?
I treat all information disclosed to me as confidential. The only time this would not be possible would be if there was some immediate risk of harm to the client, or to another. I would always, wherever reasonably possible, inform the client first before breaking that confidentiality.
What Benefits can be Expected?
Most people who come for counselling begin to feel some sense of relief from their problems within a fairly short period of time and some people choose to stop their counselling at this stage. Others prefer to continue to resolve the underlying issues that created their problems in the first place. This process can take months, or even years, but the potential rewards are much greater for the individual concerned in terms of their feelings of self-empowerment and fulfillment. There are no fixed parameters with this. It is for the client to decide how far they wish to go in their therapeutic journey.
Where are Sessions Held?
Sessions are held at the Bodmin Psychotherapy and Counselling Centre.
Contact Details: Tel 01208 74600 or Email using the 'Send an Email' link on the left of the page
How Much Does it Cost?
My fees for counselling, psychotherapy and supervision are as follows:
For an initial assessment session which can last from 50-70 minutes, I charge £40. For an Individual Session which lasts 50 minutes, I charge £40. For a Couples Session which lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, I charge £55. All fees are negotiable should particular circumstances dictate. Please phone to discuss your individual needs or submit the Enquiry Form -
Other Useful Information. Please feel free to use the following links to other websites that may be of interest to you: For Plymouth based services, click here Touch Plymouth For the 'Synergy Health Directory', click here Synergy Health Directory For help, information and support for cancer sufferers, click here Cancer Self Care
