What to expect
What happens next?
There are three ways for you to take the next step - by completing the contact form on this website, by email or by telephone. I try to respond to voicemails and emails within 24 hours.
When you reach out, we will arrange a free, no-obligation 30 minute meeting, either online, on the phone or face-to-face in Eastbourne.
At the introductory meeting you will get an idea about what counselling with me would be like and whether I'm the right 'fit' for you. We will discuss what's going on for you currently and what you're hoping to get from counselling. You can also find out more about how I work and ask any questions you have.
If you choose to go ahead, we will agree a date and time for your first counselling session and I will email you some paperwork, which sets out how we will work together.
What will counselling
be like?
This question is hard to answer as every client and each session is unique. I would tailor our work to you as a person and to the difficulties you bring and your goals for therapy.
In our first session (if we are meeting face-to-face) I will meet you at the main entrance and lead you to the counselling room. Once settled, I will ask you a few details about yourself, go through a brief assessment form and check you're happy with the working agreement. I will then invite you to say something about what is going on for you. How much you say is up to you. Some people tell their life story; others jump right into a particular issue. There is no right or wrong and we will take it at your pace.
Will counselling be confidential?
Almost anything you disclose within your counselling sessions will remain confidential between us. However, there are some circumstances when I may have to break confidentiality. These are:
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Where you give consent for confidentiality to be broken and information to be shared
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Where I am compelled by a court of law
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If you show intent to seriously harm yourself or someone else
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If you tell me something that leads me to believe a child is being harmed or is at serious risk of being harmed
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Where you disclose during counselling that you have committed a serious crime or show intent to commit a crime
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If you reveal intent to commit an act of terrorism or are dealing in drugs or laundering money.
I would not tell your GP or anyone else that you are coming to counselling unless you ask me to. So, attending private counselling would not go on your medical records.
How many sessions will
I need?
The number of sessions you have is entirely your choice - therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific problem, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. In general I recommend six counselling sessions to begin with.
During our work together, we'll have regular reviews to make sure you're getting what you need from your therapy.
For counselling to be most effective you will need to be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People get the most out of therapy if they are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.