What is Counselling? At times we can all feel stressed, overwhelmed, depressed and anxious. Sometimes life can be difficult for us, it can be unmanageable and challenging. Counselling can be of great support or resource at times of crisis or difficulty in our lives. Counselling focuses on current specific personal difficulties or crisis issues, which affect our present life.
What is Psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is a longer process which helps people to understand the deeper roots of their present difficulties with a view to developing a greater understanding and being better able to manage in life. Frequently counselling and psychotherapy overlap and are used interchangeably. She can explore with you to discover a more resourceful way of managing your life in a safe, confidential setting.
How Many Sessions? There is no time frame; it may take 1 session to 50 weekly sessions or more. Individuals have their own pace and counselling allows for this. You are in control of what you talk about and part of the Counsellor’s role is to work at a pace that suits you. The healing process can be slow and very tiring; sometimes it can seem to get even harder as the work progresses. This is normal and is an indication that healing work is happening. However, this may show up as a strong reluctance to come to the sessions. Please discuss this with me in the weekly sessions if you find this is happening to you.
What is Your Method of Working? Sheila uses a Humanistic Integrative approach, bringing together mind, body and spirit; this incorporates a number of widely accredited psychotherapeutic techniques. This allows her to adapt the approach and style to the individual needs of the client.
Sessions Times? The time agreed at your first session is your time. Sheila will be there at the time agreed every week unless you cancel on the number provided. She will ask you to commit initially for 6 sessions at the end of which a review will be conducted. She will have reviews with you regularly. The session time is 60 minutes and it is important that you try and attend every week.
Cancellation Policy? Sometimes life can get in the way and you may need to cancel the session. Four full days notice not including the day of the session is required. If any less notice is given then the full fee is payable for the cancelled session. Any change in scheduled times and its impact on you will be discussed. Session Fees? Fees are due at the end of every session and are paid directly to Sheila.
Late Arrivals? As mentioned the time agreed is your time and if you are late the session will finish at the scheduled time.
Confidentiality and Ethics? Everything discussed in the session is totally confidential and is only between the two of us. As a member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Sheila conforms to a Code of Ethics, however this Code allows her to contact others in extreme circumstances. Sheila will discuss this with you if it applies. To view the IACP’s Code of Ethics you may do so on their website, www.irish-counselling.ie
Contact with Other Professionals? If necessary, with your permission Sheila may liaise with your GP or Psychiatrist to work on a treatment plan to aid in your recovery or situation.
Legal Situations? Sheila will not issue reports, references or be available for Legal Situations in any circumstances.
*Please Note Sheila will not carry out sessions while you may be under the influence of any intoxicants.