Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between talking to a friend and talking to a counsellor?

Counsellors are trained professionals.
Although the questions you hear your counsellor asking you might seem casual, counsellors typically have a purpose behind each and every question they ask. These questions are intended to
-process your thoughts and feelings,
– facilitate the uncovering of meaning and reflection on your life experiences
-seeking an understanding on how they might have an impact on your life.

A good friend might demonstrate support and show that they care for you, but a counsellor will assist in developing insight that may ultimately guide your present and future behaviours.

Counsellors are objective.
Unlike friends that have a stake in your life, counsellors don’t. Counsellors are trained in being aware of their biases, and ensure that their own values, beliefs don’t influence their work.

The focus is ONLY on YOU.
Both you and your friends might share each other’s struggles and tribulations, but a counsellor will always focus on YOU! There might be times where a counsellor shares information about his or her own life, referred to as self-disclosure, but even in those times, the counsellor’s primary aim is to use that information for your own benefit, i.e. to assist with the goals that you have set out for counselling.

Counselling is confidential.
Although we may have good friends who we trust with our darkest secrets. it is also true that almost everyone has some things that they will never disclose to their friends. It is these things that therapy gives you a safe environment to explore. Therapy can be a safe place to dig deeper into those aspects of yourself that you might not feel comfortable sharing with friends.

No Judgements.
A therapist is required to take a non-judgemental stance in their approach, which might help you in exploring aspects of your life in a safe environment. This is not to say that friends are judgemental, however sometimes it feels easier to talk to someone who is not emotionally invested in you in any way,

What happens in the first session?

Some things your counsellor may ask you about:
• What are your symptoms?
• What brought you to therapy?
• What do you feel is wrong in your life?
• Some practical questions, for example, your next of kin, the name of your GP, if you are on any medication or have any serious illness
• Some questions about your history, including your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation, and your career

Your Counsellor will also discuss:
• Confidentiality
• Data protection

You are free to ask any questions or clarify anything at any stage.

Do I have to pay if I cancel or don’t attend?

If an appointment is cancelled in the last 24 hours before a session, then that appointment will be charged for as it will be deemed too late to offer it to someone else.

How many sessions will I need?

The average amount of sessions depends on the therapeutic approach used and the presenting problem.  During your first session, you can talk to your counsellor to see how many sessions they think you will need. You may only need a few sessions or you may need to look at issues in greater depth.  Decisions are always collaborative  and you can decide to end therapy at any time.