Getting Started
What to look for in a counsellor
When choosing any professional service, there are a number of things to look out for in your prospective counsellor, things like:
- Experience and competence;
- Reliability and trustworthiness;
- Professionalism, e.g. subscribing to a recognised code of practice and ethical way of working;
- The three ‘A’s – accessibility, availability, affordability.
But the vital ingredient is the extent to which you can relate and feel comfortable with your counsellor as a fellow human being. This has little to do with qualifications or experience and is all about that inner recognition of “Yes – I can trust this person and I am willing to work with him or her”
So don’t be afraid to shop around. In fact I’d encourage you to do so. Most counsellors will expect and welcome some form of initial, free, no-obligation conversation before you make any kind of decision. And if they don’t, then that might say something about their suitability for you. This is an important decision for you and you want to get best value for both your time and your money.
How much will it cost?
I charge £35 per hour for individuals and £40 for couples.
For students in training on a recognised course, I offer a concessionary rate of £25. I also have a limited number of spaces available where the rate is determined by a persons ability to pay, so don’t be afraid to ask if any are available.
Apart from the money, there is also your time and energy and don’t under estimate either. Counselling doesn’t begin and end with the sessions themselves. In fact I firmly believe that most of the real work occurs outside of them, as you digest what we’ve talked about, allowing it to settle down and sink in. It’s also the time that you begin to put into practice the things you’ll have learned and planned to do, from our sessions.
Making Initial Contact
Sometimes this can seem like the biggest obstacle to be overcome, particularly if you are not feeling good about yourself. But remember that all journeys begin with the first step, and the first step here is to make the initial contact. There are no right or wrong ways. The quickest way is to pick up the phone NOW, while this is all at the front of your mind and give me a ring. My details are at the bottom of the page. If I can’t take the call right now, then just leave a message and I will get back to you.
I’d then expect us to have perhaps a five or ten minute conversation, allowing you to get an initial impression of me, and for me to get an idea of what it is you’re looking for. Alternatively you could drop me an email and we could begin the conversation that way. Which ever way is right for you.
What Next?
You’ll see elsewhere that I offer a free 30 minute introductory meeting. I do this because I believe that until you’ve tried it, you won’t really know whether I’m able to help you or not. Your under no obligations here and at the end, you can go away, and in your own time decide if you want to take things further. If you do, then we can book a session and get started.
So, why not take that first step NOW – you might find that I can help you.