FAQ

What is Humanistic Counselling /Therapy?

There are various different modalities of therapy, the most commonly known being psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy and Humanistic Therapy. My training as a Humanistic Counsellor began with my core training in the person-centred approach which follows the teachings of Carl Rogers, who believes that if we are able to provide the right conditions for clients within our therapeutic relationship, then they will develop their own self-awareness and move towards making the positive changes they need in their lives. The foundations of the humanistic approach provide the client with a deeper understanding of who they are, and what they feel and the opportunity to explore the possibility of creating personal choices. I may also incorporate strands of Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and Existential approaches.

What is the existential approach?

I am influenced by existential philosophy which may come through in our sessions together. By this, I think that as well as becoming aware of our own personal stories and difficulties, it is also important to acknowledge that there is often underlying distress that comes from the nature of the human condition and living in society. Existentialism is concerned with the givens of existence; freedom, responsibility, isolation, meaning and death.

What can I expect from our initial consultation together?

Our initial consultation, which gives you the opportunity to find out more about how I work and for us to connect and see if we feel we could work well together. It is your opportunity to share a little bit about what you are looking for and what has caused you to be searching for a Therapist. In this session, I may initially ask you some more questions about yourself and your past in order to gain a fuller background picture of why you are coming. I have a contract that I will need to run through with you, which includes details about confidentiality, and cancellations and GDPR Data information.

If I agree to go ahead, then what?

We will agree on a set time weekly to meet. It is important to find a time that we can both commit to regularly and you decide initially if you want to agree to a certain number of weeks, such as six or twelve, or if you wish it to be more open-ended. I am aware that for some people who work shifts, it can be difficult to commit to a regular slot, and am happy to accommodate this if it is possible.

Once the administration is done, the sessions are for you to use and talk freely about whatever it is that you feel you need to explore and have some support with. They will be directed by you.

Can I see you fortnightly?

I only see people fortnightly after we have worked weekly together for a while first. It is important to keep up the weekly consistency of therapy as often what occurs in between the sessions can have a big impact. When two weeks are left between sessions, things can be overlooked and our sessions become more like”catch ups” and they reduce in their therapeutic value. Once the therapeutic relationship has been built, and you feel some movement in your experiencing and you wish to reduce sessions with a move towards ending, then we may start seeing each other fortnightly.

How much do you charge?

Individual Counselling is charged at £70 for 50 minutes.

Relationship counselling £100 for 50 minutes.

Do you offer me advice or set me homework?

I don’t tend to offer people advice but offer a safe and confidential space for you to explore with my help what you need so that you can come to your own conclusions about what decisions or changes you want to make. I am a strong advocate of you experiencing your own empowerment and thus it is important for you to make your own decisions. It is important for you to direct the therapy how you wish it to go and at the speed you need. I am an avid reader, so I may well share with you books or articles I have read which may be of interest…

Do you offer CBT?

CBT has become a popular therapy with the NHS in recent years and I have trained in CBT and may often incorporate CBT style questions in our work together, it is not something I offer as a separate therapy as I strongly believe that in order to make lasting changes we need to look at the underlying causes of our distress as well as treating the symptoms.

How confidential is it?

Everything that is shared in our sessions remains confidential between ourselves. I do have regular Professional Supervision in which I may discuss my work, which helps support me to support you. Names are never mentioned.

Where are you based?

I currently work in Hove in East Sussex.

What type of issues do you work with?

I have a wide range of experience working with all sorts of issues that I ahve listed on my “About Me” page.
Itis important to state that you don’t have to have had what others may consider a traumatic experience to come for Therapy. Often people are concerned that their reasons don’t justify their desire for counselling. You may be feeling lost, unsure, confused, depressed, anxious, uncertain, stuck, scared, grief-struck, overwhelmed by feelings or spiralling thoughts. Having some Therapy will enable you to put into words how you feel, and be listened to in a non-judgemental way.

Areas that hold a particular interest for me and I hold much experience in are:

Depression, Anxiety, Binge Eating, Bulimia, Overeating and Anorexia, Body Dismorphia, Body Shame, Grief, Relationship Difficulties – Separation and Divorce, Sexual abuse and Sexual Violence. Men’s Issues, Periods of Transition – Youth to Adulthood, Midlife, Boarding School Syndrome.

What types of people do you work with?

I work with people who are struggling with something in their life and are in need of a safe space in order to explore this with me.

Do you have knowledge and experience of working with Neurodiversity?

I have done training in Neurodiversity and have worked with many women who are coming to terms with their Autism and/or ADHD diagnosis.

Are you LGBTQT affirmative?

I am LGBTQT affirmative and have experience of working with people who are transitioning, and those who are questioning their sexuality and their gender.