Can Counselling Help Me?
There are various different approaches to Counselling. The purpose of the therapeutic process is to provide someone the opportunity to talk in a confidential environment, with a professional who is detached from the worries and concerns raised by the client. This can look very different, depending on the individual – and what works for one may not work for another.
This doesn’t mean that counselling couldn’t help them, but that perhaps they just needed to work with a different Counsellor. This is why I work in a range of different approaches, and arrange a discovery call as our first step – so I can understand which approach is best suited to your individual circumstances and you can assess if I am the right person to meet your needs.
In this discovery call – which lasts no longer than 10 minutes – and throughout our sessions, I actively listen, with empathy and unconditional positive regard, to ensure that you feel safe and secure to explore anything that you would like to address.
Where will my session be held?
I have a clinic in person at the Brighten Wellbeing Centre / Stoford – if you aren’t comfortable or able to meet in person I can also offer video sessions, via Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp. I do all that I am able to support my clients, in whichever way and place is most comfortable for them.
Are Our Sessions Private?
Yes. Counselling sessions are in strictest confidence. In some rare cases an exception may occur – for example, if child protection was an issue or a crime or fraud was to be committed (such as acts of terrorism or money laundering) or where there is a serious risk of self-harm or harm to another person/s. This would first be discussed with the client. Confidentiality is discussed in the first session before beginning.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
It is difficult to predict the number of sessions that you may require. Some clients feel that only a small amount of sessions are needed, to address a single or immediate concern. Others may need more, or longer-term programmes of counselling. Either way, we will be regularly reviewing and discussing your progress together, and the decision remains yours.
Can I Cancel at Any Time?
Unless unforeseen circumstances occur, I insist that any change to the scheduling of pre-arranged appointments is notified by at least 48 hours, which enables me to plan accordingly with your sessions and others.
If the cancellation is very short notice, or you miss a session without notifying me, I will have to bill the full cost.
If you need to re-arrange a session please contact me as soon as you are able.
Why is our session only 50 minutes long when I booked for an hour?
This is standard across all Counselling and Therapeutic services; the session lasts for 50 minutes, which leaves free space between clients which protects your privacy, allowing you to gather your thoughts and belongings without ‘bumping into’ other clients. It also allows me to make some notes and update your records, so that what we have been discussing and how much progress you have made is detailed. I use these notes to prepare for our next session, to maintain consistency in our process and potentially to research and identify other resources which may benefit you.
If you have any further questions please get in touch, I always respond as quickly as possible, but my phone and notifications will be silenced if I am in session with a client or if I am outside of my scheduled working hours, so please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
Amanda Burbidge Counselling 