FAQs
Whether you are new to counselling, or have had counselling before, I have tried to answer many of the questions clients have asked and might want to know below. But if you have a question which is not here please feel free to get in touch and ask
What happens in the first counselling session?
My aim is to try to make you feel comfortable as you may be feeling nervous, especially if you are new to counselling. I will explain a little about how I work, and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have and the space to start to tell me about what has brought you to counselling. I will not put you under any pressure and we can go forward at a pace you are comfortable with. It is important that we feel able to work with each other and that there is a trust there as I understand it can feel uncomfortable saying things in front of a stranger, sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings, so the more comfortable I can make you feel hopefully the quicker this trust can be established. It may be that after the first session we decide that counselling might not be right for you and something different may be more helpful for you; that is ok and if I can help point you in a direction I will try to do so.
Who do you work with?
I work with a wide range of adult clients aged from 18 to 80, from many backgrounds. None of us are immune from challenges which may affect us at any point in our life, some of which sometimes require some support to help you to move forward.
I do not work with children or young people, so anyone under the age of 18, but can point you in the direction of colleagues who do work with this age range of clients.
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What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Both take the same approach, but counselling perhaps focuses on a single issue for a shorter period of time, perhaps a block of 6 to 8 sessions. Psychotherapy tends to cover a much wider range of issues, perhaps looking in more depth at how experiences over your life are affecting you today, and tends to be over a longer time/greater number of sessions, which may range from months to years.
When are sessions available?
I usually see clients across the day, and work F2F and online via Zoom(first appointment 9.00am, last appointment 7.00pm). I currently do not work at weekends.
How many counselling sessions might I need?
There is no quick answer to this question as every client is different. The average number of sessions ranges from 6-10 but I do try to check with clients regularly to see how they feel counselling is working for them and whether they wish to finish sooner or look for more sessions.
Does counselling and psychotherapy work for everyone?
In general terms research suggests that counselling and psychotherapy do work and are helpful, but being honest it may not work for everyone. It may not be the right time, or you may have had a bad experience of counselling in the past which has put you off, or you may not have found the right counsellor. It may also be that some other type of support might be more helpful and these are things we can talk about during our first session.
Is counselling confidential?
Mainly yes, but there are some occasions where I have to break this confidentiality and we can talk about this at our first session.
Do I need to bring anything with me to counselling sessions?
It is not necessary to bring anything with you. Sometimes clients do bring things they wish to share, something you have written or read, something you might have drawn or photographed, maybe something you have picked up like a rock or shell, especially if you feel it might help you explain a feeling or help you to explore an issue you are facing.
How much counselling cost?
See my Fees page for more information on this, and how to pay for sessions.
How do I make an appointment?
You can call or text me on 07544 045713. My phone is usually on silent during the day but you can leave a message. I will try to get back to you when I able to, but look to return all calls within 24 hours, unless my voicemail message says otherwise. You can also get in touch by email at kaizencounselling@hotmail.com or by completing my contact form here.
What if I’m not sure I want to book an appointment?
I understand you may be feeling nervous or uncertain about starting counselling so before we agree to book a first session, I encourage all potential clients to telephone me, to see whether counselling is right for you right now, or whether some other form of support might be more appropriate; there is no charge for this initial telephone conversation.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
I ask for 48 hours notice for any cancellations; if you do not give 48 hours notice or do not turn up these sessions will still be charged at the usual rate of £45.
Do you offer discounts to low waged or students?
I only currently offer discounted counselling sessions for students. If the cost of counselling is an issue for you this may be something you can discuss with your GP who may be able to suggest NHS services which may be available to you.
What do I do if I am in a crisis?
Counselling sessions are undertaken within an agreed timeframe. I understand that sometimes there is a need for additional support outside this time and in these cases I usually suggest that you may wish to contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call) or 01244 377999 (local call charges apply). You may also wish to contact your local GP to see if they can offer an emergency appointment, or visit the local A&E department.
Where are you based?
I work from a single location in the Wrexham area:-
Gwersyllt: St Giles Park, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, LL11 4AX
I work from home at this address; parking is available either on the drive or kerbside, during booked sessions. Counselling takes place on the ground floor only and is hopefully accessible to all clients. I will confirm the address with clients once a first session is confirmed.
Are you qualified?
I hold a Dip HE in Person Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy from Glyndwr University. I am also a member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and subscribe to both of their Ethical Framework in terms of what I do and how I work.
I also hold Personal and Professional Liability Insurance.
I hold a DBS certificate (I look for this to be updated every 2 years).
I take a professional approach to my practice, so also have supervision sessions with a qualified supervisor on a monthly basis to talk through issues and challenges I have in my practice and to ensure that the sessions I offer clients are safe, secure and professional.
I also look to keep up and extend my counselling and psychotherapy knowledge by attending a range of courses and workshops, and introduce what I learn into counselling and psychotherapy sessions if I feel it will be useful and helpful to clients.
If you have a question that isn’t answered above, please get in touch.
Get in touch
Why not call for a free chat to find out how one-to-one counselling can help you with any issues you are having? Just call 07544 045713 or send me a message.