Counselling 

What is counselling

We all have physical and mental health, like physical health sometimes our mental health needs assistance too. At times, we can all suffer from stress, depressed thoughts and feelings, anger, anxiety or confusion and other emotional turmoil. Sometimes, a person close to us can help. However some times this option does not work or just isnt the right person. Our emotions become overwhelming and can have an impact on our life. These are the times when a Counsellor can help.

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​Counselling is a talking therapy where you meet with a qualified counsellor in a safe, confidential space to discuss any problems or difficulties you may be having or have had.. Sisu counselling service offers a non-judgemental and accepting therapy to truly listen and understand your story. We will accept you and respect your feelings and whilst we will not tell you what to do, we will work with you so that you can find your own way and solutions. 

 

What happens in counselling?

Counselling sessions can take different forms, depending on your needs, the type of therapy you haveand where it happens

You will usually have a number of planned, regular sessions lasting for around 50 minutes. How often you see your therapist, and how many sessions you have, will depend on your individual circumstances.

You may see your therapist on a one-to-one basis or in a group, or you may speak to them over the telephone or online. They may go through specific exercises designed to help you with the problem you're experiencing. Or you might have more general discussions about how you're feeling.

What you talk about will vary depending on the problem you want help with and the type of therapy you are getting. It could include:

• your relationships

• your childhood

• your emotions

• your thoughts

• your behaviour

• situations or events you find difficult

 

Your first session

We may start by talking about what will happen in your therapy or we may begin straightaway by asking you what is troubling you. Either way is fine, but there are a few things your first session must cover:

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• Introductions
  I will should spend a few minutes introducing myself and finding out how you like to be addressed your name and chosen gender  
   

• Assessment
  We may start by taking a history of the troubles you are experiencing. I will complete some forms, and go through any information I have received about you, such as a letter from your GP. I might then ask you to ‘tell your story’. Whatever format the assessment takes, you should feel you have the opportunity to tell  me about the issues that are troubling you or how your feeling.
  We will agree the terms, or contract with you This will include:

• Practical details
  Such as the number and frequency of sessions we will have and how any fees will be paid. 

• Confidentiality and note taking
  I will protect your confidentiality and privacy. I will also tell you of any situations when I may be required to disclose information about you. Therapists will usually keep notes or record the sessions in some way for their own professional use. I will tell you how I do this safely and  ask for your permission first.

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Continuing sessions and Therapy ethos

• We will continue to meet as agreed until you feel you are able to complete therapy.

• Be open. ...

• Be prepared. ...

• Ask questions. ...

• Be open and honest about your feelings.

• Make a list of things you’d like to bring up in your first session You don’t need to bring the list along with you (but you can if it’s helpful), but it’s handy to have.

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I work from a Pluralistic ethos.   We accomplish our work together through different modalities that you need at that point in time, this can include modalities such as Systemic, Psychodynamic, Behavioural, Transactional Analysis and otherways of working that work for you..  (Please see my specialities for further details).I have many years’ experience and therefore bring a wealth of knowledge and tools to support and equip you to achieve your goals. I have a background in psychology and mental health as well as counselling and have worked with a multitude of different types of people. All of this gives me a unique insight and adaptability into working with you in an authentic and well-informed way.