Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, and takes place in a setting that is both private, safe and most of all confidential. It is an opportunity for you to reflect on and explore your difficulties and issues with a professional person who is qualified to help you to make sense of what is troubling you and to find a way forward. As your relationship with your therapist develops, an environment of openness, honesty and trust is created and this alone can be extremely healing.

Throughout the counselling process, your therapist will help you explore, discover and gain a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. During this process you will become more aware of your habitual patterns and ways of responding and how they are affecting your life. Occasionally your therapist may suggest a new approach or way of looking at things, this alternative view of an issue or situation can sometimes lead to the discovery of an increased sense of choice and a new direction.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist. Privacy, confidentiality and working collaboratively with a therapist is of central importance in psychotherapy as it is in counselling.

In addition to helping with the kinds of difficulties brought to counselling, psychotherapy is often the more usual choice for helping with more deep seated psychological problems that may have built up over a long period of time, often from childhood.

What are the Benefits of Counselling and Psychotherapy?

The benefits of counselling and psychotherapy vary from person to person as every process is completely individual. However, clients often report changes such as a significant improvement in their initial concerns, an enhanced insight into their situation, improved self-worth, or more specifically:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Greater sense of self worth
• More intimate and satisfying relationships
• Feeling more empowered
• More success in a chosen career
• Improved physical health
• Feeling calmer and more relaxed
• Greater personal awareness and understanding
• Having greater choice
• Feeling more alive / having more energy

Can I Speak to Someone Before I Make an Appointment?

You are very welcome to call and speak to Alan before you make your first appointment. If he is unavailable when you call and you are put through to his voicemail, please leave a message giving your name, telephone number and convenient times when he can call you back.

What Will Happen if I Cancel or Miss a Session?

If you are unable to attend your appointment please let Alan know as soon as possible. The required notice for cancellation is 48 hours. Where there is less notice of cancellation or if you do not attend your appointment you will still need to pay for the full session.

When booking your first appointment you may be asked for your credit / debit card details which will be held for deposit purposes. No money will be charged to your card unless you miss your session or cancel under the conditions stated above. You will be given as much advance notice as possible in terms of holidays or needing to cancel your appointment for any other reason.

What Happens in the First Session?

If you have never been to counselling or therapy before you may feel nervous and apprehensive. This is normal and people often find it a relief to say how they are feeling at the beginning of the session. You do not need to prepare in any particular way before you attend your session and once you arrive, anything you need to know will be explained to you.

How Long Does Each Session Last?

The standard counselling or psychotherapy session lasts for 50 minutes

How Often Do I Need to Come?

Attendance for both psychotherapy and counselling is generally on a weekly basis and is usually one 50 minute session once a week. However, there may be times when it is important or necessary to come more often.

Some of the more common issues Alan works with are:-

Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Bereavement
Relationship Issues

Alan also works with many other issues such as self harm, grief and bereavement, anger issues, abuse and sexual problems.

Please contact Alan if you have any questions or to book an appointment.