Your Questions about Counselling and Mindfulness answered
Here are some of the questions people often ask before starting counselling or mindfulness sessions.
Many people feel unsure before starting counselling, you are not alone.
You are welcome to read through, and if something isn't covered, please reach out and ask your question.
There is no pressure to book, I would like you to have the answers you need before considering booking.
Counselling Questions and Answers
Q How do I book my first session
A Click on the Book a session button and this will take you to my online calendar
If it feels more comfortable to contact me first you can complete the contact form on the first page of this website.
If you have any questions before booking you can phone, text or email me.
I will respond to you in the same way you contacted me, unless you ask otherwise.
I will usually try to get back to you within 2 hours of your initial contact, and at the very least the same day, (during my working week Tuesday-Thursday) with my availability.
I will provide you with location and payment details and require pre-payment for this first session to secure the appointment for you
Q Why is first session at a reduced rate
A Counselling will work best for you if you feel comfortable and relaxed with your counsellor.
This 1st session is a chance for us to get to meet each other and you can decide if I feel like the right counsellor for you to work with.
This session is also taken up with some form filling and questions from myself so I can assess how we might be able to work together.
It may be at the end of the session you do not feel I am the right counsellor for you, or I may feel I am not the right counsellor for the problems you are facing.
However if we both feel we will be able to work well together we can then book in further sessions and agree a set day and time for your weekly sessions.
Q How much will it cost and how do I pay?
A The 1st session, the assessment session, is at a reduced price of £40 for 50 minutes.
Sessions thereafter are £60 for 50 minutes.
Payment can be made by BACs before the session or Cash at the beginning of a session
The cancellation policy is 24 hours notice, otherwise payment will be due for the session
I do offer concessions for student counsellors-please enquire
Q I've not had counselling before what can I expect
A First of all let me reassure you that counselling is not something to be scared of, it really is an opportunity for you to change your life
As a counsellor I am here to help you and ensure that you are kept safe and feel comfortable and relaxed with the counselling process.
As your counsellor I will sit alongside you and help you to understand what is going on for you.
This usually involves me reflecting back your own words to you, to help you understand what you really mean, and perhaps ask some questions to help you understand things at a deeper level.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be useful for you, often if anxiety or depression are a concern for you.
This will involve a little more input from me and together we will look at worksheets that may help you understand things a little better.
I may set you tasks to do in between sessions to help you find ways to manage difficulties in your life and give you a 'tool box' of skills. stratergies and excercises that you can continue to use to help you once you have finished counselling.
Q What kind of problems can counselling help with?
A Counselling can be useful to anyone at any time in thier life.
It is essentially a safe and confidential space that allows you to talk about anything that you want.
Sometimes it can be really difficult talking to friends and family about some of the things that are going on in your life.
You may feel they will not understand, or you may not want them to know, or maybe you feel you will burden them with your problems.
As your counsellor I can sit and listen without judgement and allow you to find relief from the things that are bothering you.
What I am saying is that counselling can help you with ANY problem you are facing in life, however big or small it may be.
Q Do you offer online or telephone counselling?
A Yes there is the option of online video or telephone counselling. I offer online counselling via zoom, this is perfect if you prefer to have your sessions from home, work or a place that feels more comfortable for you. This also helps reduce the time as you do not need to factor in travel time.
Q Do you offer in-person counselling in Poole?
Yes I offer in-person counselling in Parkstone, Poole from my counselling room in Cynthia Road, with good transport links and on road parking. Many of my past clients have commented on how warm and safe my counselling room feels for them
Q. Do you offer anxiety counselling?
A I specialise in working with anxiety and having experienced a long period of living with anxiety myself I am passionate abuot the work I do with anxiety. However anxiety can often be the feeling we have because of other things that are going on in our life.
Grief, challenges at home and work, past trauma can all contribute to rising anxiety that can make life difficult to cope with. We can work with these challenges and problems too.
Q: What if I feel nervous about starting counselling?
A: It’s completely normal to feel unsure. Many people feel this way before their first session. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you, and you’re welcome to ask questions at any point.
Mindfulness Questions and Answers
Q Do I need previous experience
A No previous expereince is needed to join my 6 week mindfulness courses or have individual coaching.
All the exercises and mediations are suitable for beginners, and I introduce you to mindfulness.
If you have practiced mindfulness previously, the courses or classes help you move towards a more regular practice
Q Are sessions recorded
A No the sessions are not recorded, but I do record the meditations from each week and send these to you, so that you can practice during the week. Each week you will have home practice to help you move towards regular mindfulness practice.
Q How can Mindfulness help me
A Mindfulness has research backed evidence to show a reduction in anxiety and depression, along with reducing blood pressure and aiding sleep. A 6 week course of Mindfulness will teach you the basics of mindfulness, and helps you introduce both formal and informal mindfulness into your day to day life.
Formal mindfulness is the meditation practice, a time you set aside regularly to practice meditation.
Informal mindfulness is how you introduce simple and easy exercises into your day , a pause, a few breaths, a walk in nature, anything that brings more awareness of yourself and the world around you
Q If I sign up for mindfulness coaching will this also involve some counselling?
A Yes I offer an integration of both counselling and mindfulness, based on the programme MBCT, which is mindfulness combined wih CBT therapy. I work with the mindfulness Now programme
This helps you look at your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, alongside practicing mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, to help you connect with your body and mind and learn how to be more accepting and less judegmental of yourself, treating yourself and others with kindness and compassion