Counselling

How can counselling help me?

The benefits vary from person to person. Generally though people find that counselling helps them to:

• To be less confused and make better sense out of  situations and problems
• Discover your inner strength
• To resolve areas of conflict and make better choices
• Manage problems more effectively
• Feel more relaxed and in control

What can I talk to a counsellor about?

People talk to counsellors for a variety of reasons. Sometimes you know what the problem is, like your job/chosen career has become intolerable. At other times we just know that our lives have become difficult or uncomfortable. It really is individual to you, however, common areas of difficulty for people include:

• Exam and study stress: Out of control, panic attacks, feelings of inadequacy
• Lack of confidence: Being worried about failing, never being good enough, feeling judged
• Uncertainty about future directions
• Bereavement: Loss, anger, loneliness, sadness & depression
• Relationship difficulties:  Family and friends, colleagues, commitment, jealousy, abuse
• Family issues: Partners, children, parenting, separation and divorce, homesickness
• Depression: Feeling isolated, lonely, empty, tearful, unloved, suicidal
• Repeated destructive behaviour: Binge eating, harming yourself, abusive relationships, alcohol, drugs

Will my sessions be confidential?

At Quo Vadis Solutions, we abide by a strict confidentiality policy and ethical code.   What this means in practice, is that unless in the most extreme of circumstances everything you say to the counsellor remains confidential. It is our policy that you will have an opportunity to discuss confidentiality in more detail at your first counselling meeting.

What happens during a counselling session?

During your first meeting, which can last up to 50 minutes, you and your counsellor will assess the reasons for your visit. This gives you the opportunity to start talking about your reasons for coming, get answers to any questions you may have and gives both you and the counsellor the chance to assess whether continued counselling would be appropriate for your individual needs.

Deciding to see a Counsellor

It’s quite normal for people to go through periods of being worried or depressed. Often friends and family will be the first line of support. However they may have problems of their own or even be part of the problem. Thus it can be difficult for a friend or relative who cares about someone to listen closely without getting upset or involved. Some problems may feel too intimate to be shared with people who we will go on seeing in our everyday lives.

Sometimes people’s values and beliefs get in the way of talking to a counsellor about their problem or situation. Although it is less common now, people may feel that it is shameful to see a counsellor or that they should be able to cope on their own. While these beliefs are familiar they can make life unnecessarily difficult and prevent help being sought early.

Any person can book a counselling session if they feel it might be helpful. Even if you are not sure whether counselling would benefit you, you are welcome to book an appointment to help you decide whether further sessions would be of use.

Choosing a Counsellor

There are many different types of counsellors available, but the most important aspect is that you feel comfortable and relaxed with your counsellor and find them easy to talk to.

Before making a decision to proceed with a specific counsellor make sure you have the answers to the following questions.

1. How long is an appointment?
2. How often do you expect to have an appointment?
3. How much do I pay per appointment?
4. Is there a cancellation fee if I cancel with less than 48 hours notice?
5. Are you a full member of any professional organisation?
6. Have you worked with clients with similar problems or issues to mine?
7. What training have you undertaken?
8. How many years have you been practicing?
9. What do you expect me to achieve?
10. How long is this likely to take?
11. Can I contact you between sessions in an emergency?
12. Is counselling confidential?

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