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What you can expect in counselling

The following information applies to my practice. However, it gives you an insight into what you might want to find out if you are looking for a counsellor or psychotherapist.

Some of what I offer is generally accepted, such as a code of ethics. Other points, such as for instance the frequency of the sessions, may be less usual with most counsellors more likely suggesting you attend once a week. Some counsellors or psychotherapists anticipate working long-term (months or even years) - I mainly do brief solution-focussed work, but have worked with clients over a much longer period.  Other, more obvious variations, will come under costs, theory and whether or not they are trained and experienced in couple counselling.

Clinical supervision
Counsellors / psychotherapists have 'supervision' - regular consultations with another experienced counsellor. Counsellors have different needs in supervision, depending on their approach, theory, experience and personal preferences.  However, in general supervision is for their own learning and support.  It also ensures that a knowledgeable person is overlooking the well-being of the counsellor and their practice.
(A supervisor offers support, but does not counsel the counsellor.)

Ending a counselling session
You may be surprised to find how quickly the time flies during a counselling session. Most counsellors will keep to the exact time. 

The counsellor or psychotherapist will leave time at the end for you to re-orientate yourself to the 'outside world' and end the counselling session after summarising what has been discussed.  Then follow payment and scheduling your next appointment if appropriate. 

If you feel that the endings come too quickly for you, do feel free to discuss this.

What will we be working on?
Some people find it really hard to even start to tell me what has been happening and how they feel.  Don't worry - we will take it gently.  We will work together to achieve your goals in as few counselling sessions as necessary, but on the whole - you set the pace.  I will help you feel better.

Do you use a particular theory?
I include this information for people who for whatever reason have insight into different theories.  Don't worry if you have no idea - most clients just want to feel better soon, regardless of the approach the counsellor/psychotherapist uses.

As a human givens therapist, I will ensure that your therapy/counselling sessions are unique, to suit your individual circumstances, your needs and your resources. The human givens approach is an organising idea, based on existing theories that have been proven to be most useful. 

How long do the sessions last?
Sessions are fifty minutes, or you can book an hour and a half--you decide. You may want to book 1.5 hour at least for the first session.

What about ending counselling?
We will book the next appointment at the end of a counselling session, for whenever it suits you, taking into account your needs at the time.

You can have weekly sessions, or spread them out further, depending on what you feel able to commit to, what you have come to see me for and your financial situation. I usually suggest we aim for 4-6 sessions initially, as often quite a lot can be achieved in that time. However, you may want to start with fewer, or more sessions and you do not have to commit yourself to that number.

Clear feedback from you helps me to offer what is right for you; it would be perfectly ok for you to say that you would like either to finish at this session or, ideally the next or following session. You can find further information on ending counselling at the bottom of the page: How to choose a counsellor.

Can I come on my own/with my partner?
If you are considering relationship counselling, but your partner is not keen, then do please make an appointment for yourself.  We can discuss how we can include your partner - even a single session can be helpful.
When you feel better, then that potentially can have a positive effect on your relationship and your partner.

How much do you write about me?
You have access to the counselling notes I keep, they are short, an 'aide-memoire' for me, recording only a summery of what you have told me.

Is it 100% confidential?
Counselling is a private and confidential form of help. I will not pass on any information from or about you to anyone else with the following exceptions: when there is a risk of someone being seriously hurt (that may include yourself) and when it is in the public's interest.

Will I be charged if I have to cancel an appointment?
I will only charge you the full fee if you have missed an appointment or have cancelled with less than 48 hours notice (not including Sundays). Equally if I have to cancel at short notice - your rescheduled session will be free of charge.

Code of ethics
I am bound, as a registered counsellor, by the Human Givens Institute and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy code Ethics and Practice.

Confidentiality
Counsellors / psychotherapists may discuss your situation in supervision. If they do so, they will not reveal your name or anything else that might identify you.

© Elly Prior, 2001 - 2010