Frequently Asked Questions
What areas can counselling Adults help with?
Counselling creates a space where you can talk openly and honestly, with no need to self edit or hold back, some of the areas I can help with are,
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Bereavement and loss
- Bullying
- Communication difficulties
- Depression
- Low self esteem and confidence
- Parenting
- Relationships
- Stress (money, health, relationships, work)
- Trauma
- Work related issues
Counselling can help you to see fresh perspectives and offer alternative interpretations of the experiences that you have had.
Counselling is based around non judgemental principles that it is neither helpful nor indeed relevant to judge, it is about being an observer of life and not to make decisions as to whether something is right or wrong.
Counselling is interested in how you the client are and how you want to change to move to a happier more content state.
Counselling offers a safe space to really pick apart the emotional tangle and look at the options that face you.
Counselling is about giving you the space and time amidst crisis in your life to think about your problems with a different perspective, it is about reflection and finding the best way forward.
What is confidentiality
Confidentiality in counselling creates a space where the client can explore sensitive subjects in the knowledge that the counsellor will not repeat or misuse the information discussed outside of the counselling room. For the counsellor maintaining confidentiality within certain limitations is an ethical responsibility and it is part of what makes counselling different from other relationships.
There are certain limitations and circumstances where a counsellor may need to break confidentiality.
Legal Limitations
- If a client discloses involvement in, or information about acts of terrorism, the therapist is legally obliged to inform the authorities, and cannot inform the client of their intention to do so.
- If a client gives the therapist information regarding money laundering or drug-trafficking offences, the therapist is obliged to pass this information to the police.
- A judge or coroner can legally order the release of client notes.
Other Common Limitations
- Supervision – Most professional bodies require that counsellors undertake regular, ongoing supervision of their client work. This is anonymised, and the focus of supervision is on the therapist’s work rather than the client’s material. Nevertheless, this is a limitation of confidentiality which the client needs to be made aware of.
- Risk of harm to self– If a client is expressing suicidal thoughts or intent, the counsellor will have policies to follow regarding when and how confidentiality will be broken. It is important to be aware of policies within any organisation you are working in, and act in accordance with them.
- Risk of harm to others – Most organisations and therapists in private practice have policies in place designed to protect children and vulnerable people. Although there is no legal obligation to report abuse, safeguarding is an ethical responsibility, and, in some cases, confidentiality will have to be broken. In circumstances where there may be an increased risk to a child or vulnerable person, clients are unlikely to be informed that the therapist intends to break confidentiality.
What areas can counselling teenagers help with?
Anxiety, stress, self-confidence, self-esteem, friendships, peer group pressure, exams ( 13+, GCSEs, A levels) bullying, depression, bereavement, divorce, separation, gaming addiction, gender identity, family, blended family issues, sibling rivalry, social media, behavioural issues, shyness, anger, trauma, school, family or child relocation, obsessive compulsive disorder, helping to improve your teens communication skills, and improving their emotional vocabulary.
Some other indicators situations, recurring nightmares, night terrors and/or difficulties in sleeping, low grades or a sudden academic decline, constant worry or anxiety over even the smallest things, social withdrawal from activities they once liked or loved to do, a noticeable and/or sudden loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, repetitively performing rituals and routines like hand washing, spending most of their time alone or engaging in voluntary social isolation, alcohol or drug use or abuse or addiction, increased physical complaints despite a healthy report from a medical professional, or engaging in self harm such as cutting or hair pulling.
Seek help straight away if your child’s behaviour is unsafe or your child has shared with you that they are wanting to harm themselves or someone else, or are having suicidal thoughts.
USEFUL NUMBERS
- 999 Emergency
- 0800 1111 Childline
- 116 123 Samaritans
- Text 85258 to get in touch with someone (for more information giveusashout.org)
What Qualifications do you have?
I am an advanced Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, and part of the NCPS, fully insured with a current DBS certificate. I have regular Professional Clinical Supervision.
Counselling qualifications:
Generally, counsellors should complete the following stages of training:
- An introductory ‘taster’ course to introduce them to the basic ideas and skills behind counselling; and/or
- A certificate in counselling skills to introduce them to counselling theories and ethics, practical counselling skills and self-awareness; followed by
- A diploma or advanced diploma in counselling to provide an in-depth study of counselling theory and ethics, and a supervised practice placement that includes at least 400 hours. To be accepted onto a diploma course, counsellors usually need a counselling skills certificate. For some courses, they will also need a degree or equivalent.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), formerly the National Counselling Society, is a member-led professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. They are committed to maintaining high standards in training and practice, as well as supporting and advocating for both the counselling profession and the mental health of the nation.
Their ethos is that counselling and psychotherapy is a unique vocation and this is reflected in their policies. All members of the NCPS uphold the NCPS Code of Ethics.
How do I book a counselling session?
Please do get in touch if you would like a no obligation private conversation, you can call on 07715 296741 or fill in our online form and I will be in contact within 24 hours. If you are happy to go ahead. I will email you an initial consultation form to fill out and return prior to your visit. The Snug Walk & Talk Contract | The Snug Parents Contract | The Snug Adults Contract
We will then book in our initial consultation.
After this initial meeting I will email you with my thoughts and my assessment, for my teenage clients I will also reflect on what I feel may be of benefit for your child and a treatment plan (please bear in mind that these are fluid as I feel that the process is equally led by the teen). It is also important to understand that my sessions are confidential and, as such, certain elements cannot be discussed (see ‘What is Confidentiality’).
How long do sessions last?
Each session is 50 minutes and takes place once a week. However, some people may feel that they need to attend more than once and this can be discussed. I would ask that you arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment in order that you can settle and prepare for the session.
How many sessions should I book?
This will be discussed after our initial meeting as each client has unique needs. For teenagers as a rule of thumb, it can initially be between 6-12 sessions with a review after the first 6 sessions as to how things are going and how many more may be needed. With adults this is very much dependant on the issues. We absolutely understand that this is a big financial commitment, and I will always communicate and review how things are progressing.
How much does a session cost if I work within the Creative Industry?
I understand the freelance nature of the Creative Industry and believe passionately that people should have direct access to therapy when needed, with this in mind I offer a pay what you can afford per session, (min £30) please feel free to discuss when we arrange our initial session together.
What happens if you cannot attend your session?
Counselling works best with continuity which is why I suggest keeping our sessions to a minimum of once a week. All cancellations should be made over the phone. I cannot accept cancellations via email. For cancellations occurring more than 24 hours prior to your appointment, no charges will be incurred. For cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to their appointment time, the full charge for your scheduled session will be applied. For appointments not kept (and not cancelled) the full amount of £90 will be charged.
Can I accompany my child to the session?
Sessions take place between me and the teenager. It is also important that, for the process to work, the rapport and therapeutic relationship needs to be built between me and your child.
However, we would ask that for their Initial Consultation the parent stays on the premises, both for legal and safeguarding reasons, as well as for the child’s well-being. At www.uncommon.co.uk there is a café and comfortable area to wait for the duration of your child’s session.
What is confidentiality with teenagers?
For therapy to be optimally effective, a person must be able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, experiences and behaviours without fear of judgement. They must also be confident that their therapist will not share this information with 3rd parties. For minors/teenagers however the right to privacy is limited and whilst legally people under the age of 18 do not typically have a right to confidentiality, as a therapist I ask parents to sign up to a confidentiality agreement before treating your child.
These are the reasons why:
Therapeutic confidentiality is key to building and preserving a strong therapeutic relationship.
A teenager has little reason to disclose something they don’t want shared with their parents, if there is no guarantee of confidentiality, but it can often be this that is the very reason they have come to counselling.
If they do not feel they can be completely honest or open I may not have enough information to know what kind of help they need.
I understand that some parents may worry that “secrets” will undermine their relationship with their child, however when a teenager can openly discuss their feelings in therapy, their relationship with others, including parents, may improve.
As a counsellor my first responsibility is to my client, your child. we aim to keep our work confidential. This means that we will not discuss their counselling session in detail, unless they disclose or I believe they have indicated a risk of serious harm to themselves or others or they have given me permission to discuss specifics with you. This will be discussed during our Initial Consultation.
However, we will provide parents with broad themes, which may assist in understanding and promoting communication with your child, and I am always happy for you to contact me to request an update on how sessions are going. I will consult with your child and get back to you.
Time with a counsellor is a special private time for teenagers. It is so important that they do not feel they have to give a report as soon as they have left, unless they want to, so whilst it is completely understandable that you may wish to ask loads of questions, my advice is to let them know you are there if they want to talk about anything but only when or if they are ready.
