Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling?

Counselling involves a trained therapist helping a client to explore issues in a safe and structured manner. Often, people are able to work out their own problems, or talk them over with a friend, but sometimes things are more complex and it can feel like we are ‘stuck’ and cannot move forward. Other times, there are things we need to talk about which we may feel that we cannot do with those closest to us, for fear of offending or upsetting them.

Talking to a counsellor is a safe place to do this – the counsellor is trained to be objective, and to offer the right environment to enable you to look at your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy involves exploring a problem, but also includes hypnosis as a means of dealing with the issue. Under hypnosis, the client is usually in a relaxed state, which enables the sub-conscious mind to explore issues more easily. It works well alongside counselling, and I will sometimes offer it during a counselling session if I feel it is appropriate and the client is happy to try this approach. There are many misconceptions about hypnotherapy, and I will gladly answer any questions if you have any concerns prior to therapy.

Hypnotherapy is also useful to support changes which the client wishes to make (for example, smoking cessation or weight loss), and this usually only requires two or three sessions.

How many sessions will I have?

It depends on the problem, and on the treatment. There will be an initial consultation, and for counselling I would usually expect to work for 6 sessions and then review where we are. This may mean that the sessions are complete or we may decided there is unfinished work and then we would re-negotiate the timescale.

For hypnotherapy, if it is a simple issue such as smoking or weight loss, then it would be a consultation plus one or two more sessions. If the problem were more complex, then the treatment would be a combination of counselling and hypnotherapy and therefore more sessions may be required.

However, we would discuss the approach and you would make a decision after hearing the options.

Is it completely confidential?

As a professional counsellor I pay for, and receive, professional supervision. My supervisor is qualified to undertake this role, and also a member of BACP, adhering to their ethical framework. Other than my supervisor, I will not discuss your issues with anyone else unless there is a risk of significant harm to a child, or you tell me that you are going to hurt someone else. Then I would have to speak to the relevant authorities. I would try to talk to you about this first. This is the limit to confidentiality.

I also attend a peer-led supervision group for hypnotherapy – however, no details will be disclosed that would lead to a breach of client confidentiality.

I take the issue of confidentiality very seriously, and I understand the importance of trust between the counsellor and client.

How much does it cost?

My fees are £35 per session, regardless of which therapy you choose.

(Cancellations of less than 24 hours may incur a fee of £15)

I have a limited number of concessionary places for people in receipt of benefits.

What if I find it hard to talk about personal issues?

We go at your pace. It’s your choice what we talk about in the sessions. I will endeavour to make the session suitable for you – that’s why I use a number of different approaches. I will point things out to you, but it is up to you what you decide to do about what I bring to your attention – you choose whether you want to explore those issues or not.

Where are you located?

I am a Swansea-based counsellor, currently holding sessions in Gorseinon.