WHY COUNSELLING?
There are periods in our lives when we all experience situations and feelings that concern, overwhelm or cause us stress. Talking confidentially to a counsellor can help.
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
Counselling can help to make sense of what is happening in your life as well as supporting you through difficult periods. The aim of counselling is to provide an opportunity for you to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way.
THE COUNSELLING SESSIONS
In the sessions you have the opportunity to talk about your thoughts, feelings and concerns. The counsellor's role is to help you understand your experiences and feelings, and to help you explore ways of making changes. Counselling is not about giving advice and cannot solve all your problems, but does offer a comfortable and secure environment for developing self-understanding and positive change.
THE FIRST APPOINTMENT
Once the referral has been received from your GP you will be contacted with the time of your appointment. There is often a waiting list, so it may be a while before you see the counsellor.
During your first appointment your needs will be discussed and a decision will be made about whether counselling is the most suitable form of help. If this is agreed and you decide that you would like counselling, regular appointments will then be arranged. People need varying amounts of time and this will be reviewed as the counselling progresses. The Practice offers short term counselling, usually up to six sessions. Your initial and subsequent appointments will be for fifty minutes.
NB
If you need to cancel your first appointment, please contact the surgery as soon as possible. If you are unable to attend and have not let the surgery know, the assumption will be that you have decided not to pursue your counselling and we regret that your appointment will be offered to someone else. If this occurs and you would like counselling in the future, you will need to ask your GP for another referral.
Internet-formatted by Andy Perry