The Devereux Centre, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5GJ
info@helenjohnsoncounselling.co.uk
07788683649
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Answers You Need
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP WITH ANXIETY?
Counselling can help you to better understand the thoughts, feelings and patterns that may be contributing to anxiety. In our sessions, we can explore what’s underlying these experiences and find ways of managing them that feel right for you.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT THERAPIST?
Finding the right therapist is important, as feeling comfortable and understood can make a real difference. You may wish to consider their experience, approach and whether you feel able to speak openly with them. I understand this can feel like a big step, and I aim to offer a calm, non-judgemental space from the outset.
DO YOU OFFER COUNSELLING IN CHELTENHAM AND GLOUCESTER?
Yes, I work with clients across Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Gloucester. Sessions are held in a private and confidential setting, offering a supportive space to explore whatever you may be going through.
WHAT CAN COUNSELLING HELP WITH?
I work with a wide range of experiences, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges and life transitions. Together, we can explore what’s most important to you and find a way forward at your own pace.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling falls under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and allows people to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. The term can mean different things to different people, but in general, it is a process people seek when they want to change something in their lives. Psychotherapy is typically a more 'in -depth, long-term process' which focusses on a person's feelings and past experiences.
A counsellor/psychotherapist is not there to sit you down and tell you what to do. Instead, they will encourage you to talk about what's bothering you in order to uncover any root causes and identify your specific ways of thinking. They may then look to create a plan of action to either help you reconcile your issues, or help you to find ways of coping.
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
Counselling can help you understand yourself better and the way you think, which will ultimately help you develop a clearer understanding of your problems and help you to move forward. The more armed with information you are, the easier it gradually becomes to navigate your way through any difficulties you are facing, so that eventually you can come out the other side feeling more positive. Counselling can also help you better understand other people's point of view, which can shed light onto the way you interpret words or actions.
I know that coming to counselling can feel like a very big step and it takes courage. You may be unsure if counselling is right for you and/or your family; the best way to know is to find out more about it. I am very happy to answer any further questions you may have by phone or email
WHERE DOES COUNSELLING TAKE PLACE?
I operate a face to face service at The Devereux Centre in Tewkesbury, offering a safe, comfortable and private environment. This is my preferred way when working with multiple people in the room. However, I understand that not everyone is local or has the time to travel and I offer individual and parenting sessions via online using Zoom /Teams /What's App. Thanks to modern technology, I work with clients all over the UK and further afield.
WHAT DOES COUNSELLING COST?
Sessions are 60 minutes each and my professional fees are:
Individual work is charged at £65 per session
Couples, Family and Group sessions are £85
I offer a reduced rate for upfront payment of 6 session blocks;
6 individual block sessions are £350 and 6 couple, family and group block sessions are £470.
I offer free initial 30 minute consultation by telephone to establish whether Counselling is right for you and help you to understand what to expect as I understand that often the first steps are always the hardest.
I accept payment by bank transfer. Payment is taken prior to each session and for missed sessions where appointments have been confirmed. I operate 50% of the fee for cancellations but will try to be flexible in rearranging appointments where possible.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
This is based on individual need. Short, medium and long term counselling is available. I encourage clients to commit initially to 6 sessions to support continuity and to allow the work to develop. It is helpful to regularly review how you are feeling the therapy is progressing, whether you will continue or when an ending might be appropriate. The needs of each individual, couple or family group can vary depending on the complexity and issues being focussed on.
WHEN DOES COUNSELLING TAKE PLACE?
I will do my best to accommodate a convenient time for you to fit in with your life. The sessions take place at the same time each week/fortnight. I work during weekdays only and offer daytime and evening appointments.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A SESSION?
As we will be meeting regularly, I will hold this time for you and book the room in advance. This helps create consistency for the work. As I reserve that hour for you, cancellations or missed sessions are charged at 50% of the session fee.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT GETTING COUNSELLING, IS THIS NORMAL?
Most people feel nervous and anxious especially on their first visit where everything is new and it can be very emotional. Once I have met and you know where you are coming and where to park this anxiety settles down for most people. Remember you are entering an environment that is safe, warm and confidential. I will do everything possible to put you at your ease.
WHAT IF I STOP COUNSELLING, BUT WANT TO START AGAIN?
If you take a break from counselling and decide to come back at a later date I will try to find you a suitable session time. If I am busy there may be a little delay but I will try my best to see you as soon as I can.
WHAT THERAPY STYLE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
I believe that no one theoretical approach fits for each person, so I work in an Integrative way, carefully using different approaches to suit the individual. The relationship between therapist and client is a very important one, based on trust and mutual respect and how we work can be decided upon together.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY COUNSELLING COMES TO AN END?
When you feel you are ready to leave counselling we will discuss this together and decide on the best ending for you. I always prefer, whenever possible, that an ending takes place face to face. Some people find endings difficult in life and having a positive experience of an ending can be therapeutic in itself.
IS COUNSELLING NON-JUDGEMENTAL AND CONFIDENTIAL?
I provide a confidential, non-judgemental time and place for individuals, couples and families to explore their feelings and gain a better understanding, awareness of themselves and their relationships.
All my work is carried out in strict confidence, and before counselling begins, we will agree a ‘contract’ on how we will work together, based on the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework
IF WE ARE BOTH LOCAL WHAT HAPPENS IF I WERE TO SEE YOU OUTSIDE OF THE COUNSELLING ROOM?
In order to protect your confidentiality I would not approach or acknowledge you if I were to see you.
OTHER HELP RESOURCES ?
I have collated a list of external website links for you as an addition resource - these are a range of organisations and charities that are able to provide help and support to people with varied issues.