There is no right or wrong way to “do” therapy.
There is no right or wrong things to talk about. This is your time, for you. Whatever you are experiencing is valid and will be met with compassion and empathy.
Our relationship is built on trust and acceptance. You will not be judged. I will treat you with respect and compassion. Person centred counselling is built upon the counsellor/client relationship and the mutuality and reciprocity within.
Journey
“Therapy” doesn’t have a particular starting point…..I believe in allowing you to bring whatever is at the forefront for you and working towards the deeper, resounding issues as they emerge. There is no obligation or commitment when coming to therapy. I will offer you an initial starting session. This session is so that you can “get a feel” for the relationship, and for you to consider whether you feel that we can work together. If you are comfortable and confident that I am the right counsellor for you then we can discuss whether you would like to attend weekly or fortnightly, and I will book you a following session.
Person-centred therapy does not have a particular frame work. However, I do like to structure our time together so that we will have 6 weekly reviews. Reviews are an opportunity to look at how you feel the work is going; any specific issues you would like to address, any concerns you have surrounding the pace or direction of therapy and any other areas that are appropriate to your therapy. This enables us to use the time together effectively and to maximise the therapeutic potential for you. Any concerns will be met with compassion and understanding. I welcome any feedback you may wish to offer.
The number of sessions is determined by you. Person-centred therapy follows an organic path, often reaching a point whereby a person’s distress or personal discomfort is greatly alleviated or when issues that have been destructive or prevalent in their lives have been assimilated and accepted. I often find clients attend weekly to start with, sometimes fortnightly, and start to recognise meaningful improvements within their lives/self/relationships within 8-10 weeks. Given each and every one of us is unique it is hard to determine at the outset how therapy will work for you. I tend to find that each person finds their equilibrium and sets a pace at which they feel comfortable.
Endings – ideally and preferably, I would like to work towards a “planned ending”. Ending therapy is discussed and planned, typically allowing for 3 further sessions in which we can talk about what the future will look like; taking the opportunity to recognise the gains and skills acquired through your therapy journey, and what options/plan there is should you experience a “relapse” or a further significant
de-stabilising life event. This also gives us the opportunity to resolve any issues you feel are still present for you.
My role is to help you to experience self-governance and self-acceptance. Essentially, to leave therapy.
Many significant therapeutic gains are made on the cessation of therapy. Clients recognise the changes they have made, the difference they feel in themselves and about themselves, changes in their relationships, new found strength and resilience. These gains can only be truly felt when experienced as an autonomous, self-governing individual; activated through self-governance and self-direction.
That said, life is ever evolving and we do not have control over external influences may affecting our resilience and ability to cope. I always leave my door open to clients to return to therapy should they feel the need of support, or short-term “mental maintenance”. I understand that there are times in our lives in which we may wish to “unpack” what is happening for us and to reach out for specialist understanding and care. Taking care of our mental health and well-being is important and valid. No-one, deserves to suffer alone.