Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe space in which clients can discuss their problems in confidence with a qualified professional. The therapist engages various skills and techniques in order to assist the client in seeing their problems more clearly, or from a different point of view, in order that they may find a new path to work through them. The counsellor provides an environment of safety, trust and understanding in which the client feels comfortable to discuss their issues.
What issues can I bring to counselling?
Counselling allows clients to discuss any issues they may have, whatever they may be. There is no issue too big or too small once it is of concern to the client. To give a sense of the range of issues that counsellors deal with, here are some examples:
​
Stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, sex and sexuality, abuse, bereavement, childhood trauma, anger, addiction, family problems, loneliness, low self-esteem, body issues, OCD, self harm, workplace issues.
​
This list is not exhaustive but it gives a sense of the vast range of issues that can bring people to counselling.
Who is counselling for?
Counselling is for anyone who feels they could benefit from discussing their issues in confidence with an impartial, trained professional. People from all walks of life can benefit from counselling.
How frequently does counselling take place?
Ideally I recommend counselling weekly. Counselling is most beneficial when it occurs regularly, allowing the flow of the process to be maintained and progress to be made. However, there are of course personal or work circumstances that can make this difficult and flexibility is required. Frequency of counselling would be discussed and agreed upon in the first session.
Where does counselling take place?
At present, I am offering online appointments only at a reduced rate.
What happens in the first session?
The first session usually begins with a brief assessment in which I will gather some practical information including confirmation of agreement on fees, frequency of sessions, and seek to gain an understanding of the issues and how the client might gain from counselling. After this the space is open for counselling to begin.
Is counselling confidential?
All counselling is confidential as laid down by the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics. There are however some legal and ethical limits to confidentiality (these are the same for all practicing therapists). The limits to confidentiality are discussed at the contracting stage in the first counselling session. ​
How do I pay?
At present, all payments are by bank tranfer or PayPal.
How much does counselling cost?
I am offering a reduced rate at present. Contact me for details.
What if I need to cancel a session?
For various reasons a client may need to cancel a booked session and I am very understanding of the fact that life can sometimes get in the way of our best laid plans. The rules around cancellations will be outlined in the contract.