Only you can decide that, it's sometimes a difficult step to take. We would encourage you to do your research, arrange to chat with one or more counsellors that you feel may be able to help you and then go from there. Counselling is a commitment and sessions may bring up things that are unconfortable so it's important that you want to be there. You may find one session provides the opportunity to off-load and that's enough for you, but the chances are you will need more sessions if you want to start untangling why you feel the way you do, which is why we suggest allowing yourself 6 sessions and then reviewing with your counsellor if you feel you are making progress and counselling is really benefitting you and your feelings.

The first session can be nerve racking, after all you're about to start talking about very personal things in your life and you are being asked to place your trust in a stranger. You are not put under any pressure to reveal anything you don't want to, this first session is about getting to know your counsellor, them getting to know you, talking about what you want to achieve from your sessions and forming the begining of your counselling relationship. To keep the relationship safe, we will go through our contract, which we email to you beforehand. We want you to be fully aware of how we work, the ethics we abide by and how confidentiality is maintained. Questions are answered and you can ask for clarification at anytime so you are completely comfortable with the process.

A counselling session lasts for 50 minutes. We will arrange a regular day and time with you as consistancy helps build the relationship. However, if you work shifts or have irregular commitments, meaning it's difficult to commit to this, we will work with you to fit in a consistant weekly session, be it in person, on the phone or via Zoom.

It's impossible to tell you and will depend on what you want to achieve and how you feel your sessions are benefiting you. Some people chose to have one session, some people commit to a short-term relationship and other people want an open ended relationship with their counsellor. Everyone is different and we will review your progress regularly, in our contract, to make sure you are achieving what you need from your sessions and that you want to continue. Your counsellor is there to help you work out what is best for you.

The short answer is yes, however, you need to be aware that there are a few specific exceptions that the law requires us to break confidentiality. If you want to find out more take a look at the BACP Ethical Framework where these exceptions are explained in more detail Managing confidentiality within the counselling professions (bacp.co.uk) We cover how we maintain confidentiality and what the exceptions are. It is important that you feel that what you say is private and it is our responsibilty to make you feel safe and secure.

People sometimes don't click and this is possible between you and your counsellor, so don't be afraid to voice that if it's how you feel. The first few sessions are about getting to know your counsellor and only you will know how you feel and if you are comfortable with them. You won't benefit from counselling if you don't feel at ease with your counsellor and we would much rather you found someone you can work with than give up counselling or try to struggle on if the relationship isn't working. Talk to your counsellor and if you want to go elsewhere, they can help you to find someone else if you want a referral. Please be reassured that there will be no offence, as they genuinely want you to achive your goals by establishing a productive relationship whomever that may be with.