What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?

“Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies.  They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their wellbeing” (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) Definition)

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Counselling & Psychotherapy?

Counselling and Psychotherapy provide a confidential and safe space with an independent, trained therapist to help explore and resolve issues which are affecting your life.  It is essentially a relationship between you and your counsellor where you feel able to talk freely about your concerns. It is my belief that people are more likely to make and maintain changes using their own strengths and strategies.  Counselling can help people to identify and capitalise on these strengths, whilst exploring helpful strategies.

  • Do I have to have problems to go for Counselling?

Generally, people seek counselling and therapy when they are struggling with aspects of their life.  However, it can also be helpful in giving people a better understanding of themselves, thereby improving their sense of wellbeing.

  • Will it help?

Counselling is a very personal journey.  It can be extremely helpful for some, whilst others find it less so.  If you are contemplating therapy, then you are probably looking to improve some aspect of your life.  During an initial session, you can begin to look at this and to see if you think it is right for you.  I work collaboratively with my clients, regularly checking out how they feel the counselling is going, and invite a discussion around anything they would like to be different within the work.

  • Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an essential element in a therapeutic relationship as it is part of building up the trust required for someone to feel safe enough to begin to share their issues. Counsellors will only ever share information with a third party (e.g. GP) if there is a risk of imminent harm, and this will usually be made with the client’s knowledge and consent.  This will be explained to you in detail during your first session. In accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I provide a contract/agreement which we discuss in the first session. This makes clear the parameters within which the counselling will take place.

  • Will I have to talk about my childhood?

Some people find it helpful to look into their past, in order to make sense of the present and plan for a better future.  Some prefer to focus on the here and now, whilst others prefer to focus on the future.  I will always be directed by my clients as to the focus of the work.

  • How long will it last?

I offer short and long term counselling.  We will discuss this during the initial session, but this can be flexible depending on each person’s needs.  I work collaboratively with my clients to review how the counselling/psychotherapy is going: what is working; what could be different, and how long the client wishes to remain engaged in the work.

  • How long is each session?

Counselling sessions last between 50 mins – an hour.

I offer an initial session where we can meet, and you can get a sense of how I work.  This also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you have.  It is important that you feel safe and comfortable with your Counsellor, so this session gives an opportunity to see if you feel you’d like to work with me ongoing.  

  • Will there be homework?

I do not set homework, but sometimes people find it helpful to put things into practice that have been discussed in the sessions.  This is completely client led.

If you would like to contact me to make an initial appointment, or to ask any further questions, please email me on: therapy@lizmrcounselling.com or call / text on Tel: 07507 365 980