INFORMATION ABOUT

COUNSELLING

  &

 PSYCHOTHERAPY

What is Counselling and how can it help you?

             "It may be learning something new or relearning something one has

             forgotten; it may be learning how to learn or may be unlearning;

             paradoxically, it may even be learning what one already knows"

             Corsini 1989

         Counselling can provide a safe place in which to talk things over in

         confidence and without judgment. It is an opportunity to work through a present

          crisis or past trauma and learn more about yourself as an individual.

          Are you in a difficult relationship, feel depressed and lonely, are you ill/disabled

         or caring for someone who is, recently divorced or bereaved, have suffered

         an assault, affected by an addiction or eating disorders, feel trapped or

         helpless, or just want to make a fresh start?  Counselling may help

        you to understand your situation more clearly and allow feelings

        greater acceptance.  Counselling offers you a time to talk about what

        is important to you.    You will not as a rule receive advice, however

        counselling can help you to use your own resources to lead a more creative

        and satisfying life.  

       The difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy

         It is well accepted that the terms Counselling and Psychotherapy are

         used synonymously and it is often difficult to separate the two ways of

         working.    A very simplistic explanation maybe that  'Counselling'  focuses

         on present issues, tends to be more short term and involves

        conscious awareness.   Whereas 'Psychotherapy' focuses on the past,

        tends to be longer term and involves more unconscious processing.

      Confidentiality

      What is discussed will be treated with respect, discretion and is

      essentially confidential, however there are certain situations

      where strict confidentiality will not be possible. These include;

      where I consider you to a danger to yourself or others, or you

      disclose a serious criminal offence.

      Short notes are made after each session to record attendance and the

      progress of therapy.  These notes may also be used anonymously to

      aid in the clinical supervision of my work, in order for me to improve

      my service.     Your attendance at the sessions implies acceptance

      of this situation.  Please discuss any uncertainties with me.  

     General Information

              I work from my home in Worcester where I have a purpose built consulting

              room and offer counselling appointments during office hours and on

              some weekday evenings.

             There is wheelchair access to my consulting room and I have some

             understanding and experience of working with disabled persons.

            I conform to the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) codes of

            Ethics and practice and the British Association for Counselling (BACP) ‘ethical

            framework’    (http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/)

            My work is regularly supervised by an experienced and well respected

            Clinical Psychologist.