WHAT IS COUNSELLING AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

When you come to counselling, it is often because you want something to be different in your life. You may want to solve a particular problem, make a decision, or better understand your life or yourself. Together, we will explore your feelings and concerns and the changes you want to make. When we both understand your situation, I will assist you to devise various ways to meet your goals for counselling.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND POSSIBLE RISKS OF COUNSELLING?

Counselling is helpful for a variety of difficulties. When counselling is effective, clients report a variety of positive changes including increased self-confidence, better mood, more energy, increased clarity about decisions, better problem-solving skills, higher self-esteem, greater self-understanding, relief from previously troubling symptoms and patterns, and better relationships with other people.

Counselling may involve some risks. During counselling, you may experience uncomfortable feelings or recall or talk about troubling incidents and memories. Sometimes, a desired change is accompanied by challenging consequences (for example, gaining greater self-confidence may lead to difficulties in some relationships with others).

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I HAVE TO COMMIT TO?

As the client, you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to how many sessions you come to see me. The most important thing for effective counselling is that you and your counsellor are a good fit and you have the opportunity to be fully heard.

Typically, clients will see me every couple of weeks for 6 to 10 sessions. However, depending on the issue you bring to counselling a couple of sessions may be all you need with a check in at a later date.

CAN I TALK TO YOU ABOUT ANYTHING?

Yes, you can share everything you wish to share with me. However, I am not an expert in all areas so if I think you may be better helped by seeing another professional I will be happy to help you find other resources.

IS EVERYTHING I DISCUSS CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes, everything you share in our counselling sessions is kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your informed, voluntary and written consent.

The three exceptions are:

·         If you are in danger of hurting yourself or others

·         When there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse to vulnerable persons, such as a child, an elderly person or a person
with disabilities

·         When records are subpoenaed by a court order

I will make every effort to discuss these situations with you before I involve other professionals.

DO YOU OFFER ONLINE COUNSELLING SESSIONS?

Yes, I offer counselling sessions via Skype and FaceTime if you are unable to come into the office.