Therapeutic Counselling in Kent and London

Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem. An issue in the here and now which is affecting an individuals’ day to day life. Whatever is on your mind can be discussed, explored and hopefully resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and the way forward becomes clear. Therapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Therapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.

Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. In some cases counselling works well as an ongoing, longer-term option - or therapy can manage to resolve an issue in just a few sessions.

How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a minimum of 6 sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, we can then decide how you can move forward from that point. That maybe continuing with another block of 6 sessions to help you gain self confidence, enabling you to make your own decision move forward alone. Alternatively, deeper rooted problems may require more of an open-ended approach.

Another useful option is to complete a solid 10 consecutive weekly sessions together. If we agree the ground work has been successful, you then have the option to reduce to bi-weekly sessions. This is an effective method to maintain & progress on your therapeutic journey, as well as keeping the cost of good therapy to you affordable.

Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, at the end of that number, review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.

My aim is to offer a free of charge first appointment - known as an Initial Assessment, within 1-2 weeks. This session usually lasts a maximum of 45 minutes giving me an opportunity to find out more about you and your reasons for wishing to attend therapy. The Initial Assessment (remote by video call) also gives you a feel of how I work, and also if I’m going to be the best counsellor for you.

If we are both happy to move forward together, we would then arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place at the same time every week that is convenient for you or alternatively to suit your weekly schedule. I offer a flexible approach to my therapeutic counselling sessions and I’m happy for you to have a varied schedule of weekly bookings to take place where I have availability.

How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability of that free ‘slot’.

Everything that is said within the counselling room is private and confidential. This is one of the main ways that counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.

Counselling with me, may become your weekly place to share anything that is playing on your mind without the fear of being judged. All thoughts feelings and emotions are welcome in our sessions together.

Please note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and the law requires that I notify an authority. Although these type of cases are very rare, if a such situation should occur I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality only happens after the client has been informed.

Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected those issues makes this opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.

The only time this may be waivered, is for my therapeutic work with Children and Young people aged 11-17 years whereby a parent or guardian will (if deemed necessary) be granted access to the first 10 minutes of the client’s first session to run through confidentiality & help them settle in should they feel a little nervous or apprehensive.