Information for clients

When people choose to come into psychotherapy or counselling, they are often unsure what to expect.  I hope that you will find this information useful.

Psychotherapy and counselling are based upon a therapeutic relationship, which is not about giving advice.  It is a place that provides a space within a supportive relationship, with agreed boundaries and a contract, with the aim of helping to promote constructive change and growth in any and every aspect of life.  By both listening and helping you to express your feelings and exploring your concerns, a psychotherapist and counsellor can help you to gain new insights and to explore the choices available to you. I see this as a process of collaboration, where the client and the therapist work together to develop a vehicle for change.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

Both are classed as talking therapies, where the therapist or counsellor uses their knowledge and skills within a therapeutic relationship to help a client to gain insight, grow and live more satisfying lives. Most clients find that the experience of the relationship with the practitioner appears to be the most important factor in the therapeutic process.

There is an ongoing professional debate regarding whether there is a difference between psychotherapy and counselling.  Historically and at present the training required for a psychotherapist is longer and trainees are required to have experience working within mental health services.  Also trainee psychotherapists are required to have weekly therapy.  For more information please visit the UKCP or the BACP website (see links page).

What I offer

I offer individual and group psychotherapy and counselling sessions.  I also offer clinical supervision to trainees, qualified psychotherapists and counsellors and other health care professionals.

Session

A session lasts for 60 minutes.  I will discuss with you how often and when and where we will meet.  The norm is once a week.

Confidentiality

Strict confidentiality is always maintained as part of the therapeutic process, except in the following very specific circumstances:

• You, the client, give permission to disclose information
• If I believe that you, or a third person, is in risk of serious danger, or
• If I am required to give evidence in a civil or criminal procedure

If any of these circumstances were to arise, I would try to ensure that I discussed the  matter with you, and I would encourage you to pass the information on to the relavant person or agency.

Supervision

I receive monthly clinical supervision, where I present all of my case load.  The identity of my clients is not revealed, and the process is in place to monitor my professional work and development.