Help2Talk | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to do?
A: All you need to do is make a commitment to yourself that you are going to address what's not working in your life. You need to attend your sessions regularly.

Don't worry about not knowing what to say in the sessions. It's okay to simply state that you don't know what to say, I will guide you. It is your time and space. There's no right or wrong thing to say.

I am experienced in working with clients from differing backgrounds and with wide-ranging life histories. I am not going to be shocked or judgemental about what is happening in your life and how you are coping.

Q: What will happen?
A: During our first session we will discuss your difficulty / problems and decide how best I can help you.

The initial session is an opportunity to assess whether counselling would be helpful. You may want to go away and think more about this experience before deciding on a course of therapy.

Q: How often should I attend or have sessions?
A: It is usual to have counselling once a week at the same time and day of the week. To get the maximum benefit, it is important to have the regularity and commitment. Casual sessions 'as and when' can only deliver limited and temporary support.

Occasionally during times of crisis or while going through important phases during therapy, sessions may be upgraded to twice a week.

Q: How am I safeguarded?
A: Ethical standards are important in promoting safe and professional counselling and psychotherapy practices. These are important in order that members deliver a professional level of service that caters for the best interests of their clients, and the public at large.

Professional accountability is also key in ensuring public protection and allows the Profession to move forward enjoying the public confidence in the services provided. BACP introduced the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. This is available on the BACP web site.

I undertake regular supervision of my work .

Q: What is the difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy?
A: It is not possible to make a generally accepted distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. There are well founded traditions which use the terms interchangeably and others which distinguish between them. If there are differences, then they relate more to the individual psychotherapist's or counsellor's training and interests and to the setting in which they work, rather than to any intrinsic difference in the two activities.

(BACP 2008).

Q: How can Counselling or Psychotherapy help with physical ailments?
A: Sometimes emotional problems can lead to physical problems such as headaches and fatigue. As emotional,spiritual,mental and physical health are all interrelated then a problem in one aspect will result in a health imbalance leading to problems in the other aspects. Stress is a good example as it may start with emotional issue leading to pain and a lowering of the immune system.

Q: Do I need to be referred by a Health Professional?
A: No, you can contact me direct by email or telephone.

Q: Who do you see for counselling?
A: I work with individuals and couples. I see clients for corporate organisations and take referrals from GP’s. I also see clients who refer themselves privately.

Q: Where does the counselling take place?
A: I work from home in St Albans. It is in a private location and has ample free parking available. I am 5 minutes drive from St Albans town centre and within easy reach of the M1 and M25.

For a map of the location, please click here.

Q: At what times can I come for counselling?
A: My opening hours can be found on the Fees page. Please note that I do not operate during the School Vacation periods.