Frequently Asked Questions
To help you make an informed choice and to prepare for a first session
I have listed some of the most common questions regarding counselling.
What is Counselling?
Counselling / Therapy is a way of enabling choice or change and of reducing confusion. By listening attentively and patiently the therapist can begin to perceive the difficulties from the client's point of view. This can help to see things from a different viewpoint and possibly allow them to be seen more clearly. It does not involve giving advice or directing a client to take a particular course of action. In the weekly counselling sessions the client can explore various aspects of their life and feelings, both present and past, talking about them freely and openly in a way that is rarely possible with friends or family. Bottled up feelings such as anger, anxiety, grief, sadness, guilt, shame and embarrassment can become very intense. The therapeutic space offers an opportunity to explore these feelings, with the possibility of making them easier to understand. The Counsellor will work at providing a safe place to make this possible. The therapist will encourage the expression of feelings and will be able to accept and reflect the client's problems without becoming burdened by them.
How Many Sessions?
There is no time frame; it can be from 1 to 50 weekly sessions or more. Each individual has their own pace and therapy allows for this. You are in control of what you talk about and part of the therapist's role is to work at a pace that suits you. The healing process can be slow and very tiring; sometimes it can seem to get even harder as the work progresses. This is normal and is an indication that healing work is happening. However, this can show up as a strong reluctance to come to the sessions. If you find this happening then please discuss this in the weekly sessions.
What is Your Method of Working?
I work with a variety of methods broadly referred to as Person Centred or Humanistic and Integrative Therapy. I have a particular interest in Somatic or Body Psychotherapy and I work using a gentle method of Body psychotherapy known as Hakomi. I also use Jungian Sand Tray as part of the therapeutic process.
Session Times?
The time agreed at your first session is your time. I will be there at this time every week unless you cancel on the number provided. I will ask you to commit initially for 6 sessions at the end of which we will have a review. The session is 60 minutes and it is important that you try and attend every week. I will have reviews with you on a regular basis.
Cancellation Policy? Life can get in the way and you may have to cancel. Two full days notice is required. If any less notice is given then the full fee is payable for the cancelled session. Your scheduled appointment is assigned to you so your hour cannot be filled at short notice by another client.
Any change in scheduled times and its impact on you will be discussed.
Session Fees?
Fees (€70.00 at present) are due at the end of every session and are paid directly to me.
Late Arrivals?
As mentioned the time agreed is your time and if you are late the session will finish at the scheduled time.
Confidentiality and Ethics?
Everything discussed in the session is totally confidential and is only between you and me. As a member of Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) I conform to a Code of Ethics, however this Code allows me to contact other professionals in extreme circumstances. I will discuss this with you if it applies. You can view this code at the IACP website, www.irish-counselling.ie
Contact with Other Professionals?
If necessary with your permission I may liaise with your GP or Psychiatrist to work on a treatment plan to aid in your recovery or situation.
Legal Situations?
I will not issue reports, references or be available for Legal Situations.
However, as a professional I am governed by the Withholding of Information Act and the legislation covering the Childrens First Act. Should this apply to your situation it will be discussed with you.
Please Note
I will not carry out sessions while you may be under the influence of any intoxicants. This is for your safety.
I have listed some of the most common questions regarding counselling.
What is Counselling?
Counselling / Therapy is a way of enabling choice or change and of reducing confusion. By listening attentively and patiently the therapist can begin to perceive the difficulties from the client's point of view. This can help to see things from a different viewpoint and possibly allow them to be seen more clearly. It does not involve giving advice or directing a client to take a particular course of action. In the weekly counselling sessions the client can explore various aspects of their life and feelings, both present and past, talking about them freely and openly in a way that is rarely possible with friends or family. Bottled up feelings such as anger, anxiety, grief, sadness, guilt, shame and embarrassment can become very intense. The therapeutic space offers an opportunity to explore these feelings, with the possibility of making them easier to understand. The Counsellor will work at providing a safe place to make this possible. The therapist will encourage the expression of feelings and will be able to accept and reflect the client's problems without becoming burdened by them.
How Many Sessions?
There is no time frame; it can be from 1 to 50 weekly sessions or more. Each individual has their own pace and therapy allows for this. You are in control of what you talk about and part of the therapist's role is to work at a pace that suits you. The healing process can be slow and very tiring; sometimes it can seem to get even harder as the work progresses. This is normal and is an indication that healing work is happening. However, this can show up as a strong reluctance to come to the sessions. If you find this happening then please discuss this in the weekly sessions.
What is Your Method of Working?
I work with a variety of methods broadly referred to as Person Centred or Humanistic and Integrative Therapy. I have a particular interest in Somatic or Body Psychotherapy and I work using a gentle method of Body psychotherapy known as Hakomi. I also use Jungian Sand Tray as part of the therapeutic process.
Session Times?
The time agreed at your first session is your time. I will be there at this time every week unless you cancel on the number provided. I will ask you to commit initially for 6 sessions at the end of which we will have a review. The session is 60 minutes and it is important that you try and attend every week. I will have reviews with you on a regular basis.
Cancellation Policy? Life can get in the way and you may have to cancel. Two full days notice is required. If any less notice is given then the full fee is payable for the cancelled session. Your scheduled appointment is assigned to you so your hour cannot be filled at short notice by another client.
Any change in scheduled times and its impact on you will be discussed.
Session Fees?
Fees (€70.00 at present) are due at the end of every session and are paid directly to me.
Late Arrivals?
As mentioned the time agreed is your time and if you are late the session will finish at the scheduled time.
Confidentiality and Ethics?
Everything discussed in the session is totally confidential and is only between you and me. As a member of Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) I conform to a Code of Ethics, however this Code allows me to contact other professionals in extreme circumstances. I will discuss this with you if it applies. You can view this code at the IACP website, www.irish-counselling.ie
Contact with Other Professionals?
If necessary with your permission I may liaise with your GP or Psychiatrist to work on a treatment plan to aid in your recovery or situation.
Legal Situations?
I will not issue reports, references or be available for Legal Situations.
However, as a professional I am governed by the Withholding of Information Act and the legislation covering the Childrens First Act. Should this apply to your situation it will be discussed with you.
Please Note
I will not carry out sessions while you may be under the influence of any intoxicants. This is for your safety.