Counselling begins to work when a relationship is formed on trust, empathy, good listening, understanding, boundaries and non-judgemental reflections.

If you choose to have counselling with me this is approximately what happens:

• initial contact via email, agreed date for first session

• first session would be an introduction as to why you are coming: background information, health history (you may have been referred by a GP for example), what you feel are the presenting problems, and it gives you the opportunity to ask me any questions about the process

• we would hope to secure a number of sessions in the diary at this point - 4 sessions at least - as the first month is really important in terms of creating a connection, getting used to the process and understanding this commitment to yourself 

• boundaries are important in this work. I have expectations of you, and for us, in the same way that you will too. By boundaries I mean respect for appointments (I will charge if you cancel only 12 hours prior) and punctuality; respect for each other as people; confidentiality- I will explain confidentiality during our first session; safe-guarding (again this will be explained in the first session)

• at some point, the time comes when we decide to end the work and it is good to plan ahead. Ideally at least 3 weeks notice would be appreciated. A "good" ending can be very therapeutic!