Frequently Asked Questions
What is Counselling?
Counselling and Psychotherapy is primarily a safe and confidential space and place for you to express verbally or non verbally whatever is causing you pain or distress. It is your time. counselling can work on number of levels. Firstly we may be dealing with a specific problem which has arisen, you are being bullied at work, or you have split from a long term partner, or got in trouble with the law and issues arising from these. Or I it may be that you have developed a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression without really being sure of the cause or reasons for this. In fact many people may be unsure at first as to why they are really attending counselling. At a deeper level it may be about a personal journey, a kind of soul work. To find a deeper meaning in our lives or an attempt to integrate parts of ourselves which we have suppressed because it was unsafe to express that part of you. In fact the word Psychotherapy itself is direct a translation from the Greek meaning care of the soul.
How can counselling help?
As well as the intrinsic value of sharing and unburdening ourselves and the feeling of being supported and listened to, counselling can also help by increasing our self-awareness. When we become more aware of and gain insight into how we operate in the world, particularly how we relate to others we can begin to see ourselves and our relationships in a different light. In fact counselling is not merely a problem solving exercise but can be seen in the broader sense as a process that is about promoting and increasing the overall awareness, and personal growth of the individual seeking help.
Another way in which Counselling can work is that what we do and say in the world we also tend to do and say in the counselling room, hence giving us a chance to explore this area of our lives. Working with a therapist gives us a chance to explore how we are in the here and now – much of the work in counselling is done in and through and a good working relationship between client and counsellor. Working with a male therapist , for example may mirror relationships with significant other males in our lives such a brother or father figure, thus giving us the opportunity to explore the legacy of these relationships. The new relationship. Counselling also works by teaching us skills so that we can use to become more resilient in dealing with issues we may need to face or, helps to give us the ability to hold ourselves in difficult situations and become in sense our own therapists. In addition many problem areas can also been seen as an opportunity for growth if approached in a different way. Speaking our thoughts and feelings aloud allows us to see them from a new perspective and not just from the interior of our own minds we also have the Counsellor’s view which can often help bring a new perspective to our problems.
How often should I attend Counselling? This all depends on the needs and requirements of you the person seeking support. I am available to see people weekly or fortnightly on either a long or short term basis. This is most common, however less frequent intervals are also possible. Starting out it is perhaps better to come fairly regularly as this allows us to establish a rapport and also to clarifye what the issues are. Beyond this I believe that the person seeking help is in the best position to judge their own emotional needs, availability to attend and the financial resources at their disposal.
What happens at the first session? The first session gives us a chance to see if we can work well together. I will seek to know something of your back ground and life history and answer any questions you may have about the counselling process. If we decide to schedule further appointments we can then decide practical questions such as how often and at what time you can attend. However primacy will always be given to any urgent or distressing feelings you may need to express or share on the day.
Is counselling completely confidential?
Yes Counselling a confidential process. . However there are two possible circumstances where a Counsellor may need to divulge information received from a client. Firstly if a client indicates that they definitely intend to seriously self harm or end their own lives or seriously harm another person. The second case is if the client is aware that a child has been abused, or is about to be abused. These exceptions to the rules of confidentiality on the part of Counsellors are required by law as part of the Children first government legislative act.
Counselling as a collaborative process. Neither I the counsellor nor you the client will have all the answers. As a person centered therapist, I do not claim special expertise. Only the willingness to accompany you on your journey where ever that may lead. In a sense you are the expert on your life, my role is to facilitate your growth towards this process. As a Counsellor my motivation for the work arises from and is grounded in my own personal journey. And my desire to work in deeper relationship with others. Ɓ
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
Cancelling or rescheduling a session is not in itself a difficulty provided that I get at least 24 hours notice of the cancellation.
Laurence Murphy Counselling and Psychotherapy 