Frequently Asked Questions
Why go to a therapist?
Counselling gives you the opportunity to make sense of the difficulties and emotional pain you are experiencing in your life. It can be difficult and distressing to manage these thoughts and feelings on your own and talking to those close to you may not be possible. Counselling can provide you with a safe, supportive and confidential space allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings about what is happening for you without being judged or criticised.
Can it help me?
Therapy can help you face up to yours fears and hurts and make sense of them in the present. Old hurts and traumas can linger on in your psyche and affect how you feel now and the decisions you are making in your life. Counselling can help ease some of these hurts and painful experiences which help you in coping better and giving you the opportunity to make changes in your life.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by phone, email or text. I will respond to you with a phone call within 24 hours. During this call I will ask you briefly about the current difficulties you are facing in order to get a sense of what is bringing you to counselling. From here we can arrange a date and time to meet. All calls and enquires are handled in the strictest confidence.
How long does a session last and how much does it cost?
A session will last for 1 hour and the fee is €70.00 per session for individuals. I provide a sliding scale for those on low income, which can be discussed when we meet. If you need to cancel a session I request that you inform me 48 hours ahead of time, otherwise I will have to charge the full fee for missed appointments, as it impacts on the availability for other clients.
What can I expect from my first appointment?
The first meeting is not a typical counselling session as I will be gathering information and taking notes as we speak. This is the only time I will take notes in a session. The initial appointment enables us to decide whether it will be helpful for us to work together. It carries no obligation. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you would like from therapy and the key issues arising from this. The first appointment is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling with me then a contract will be agreed specifying the times, fees and confidentiality. We will decide to see each other for 6 sessions and then review it again after the 6th session.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no specific answer to this question as everyone has different reasons for attending counselling and each individual works at their own pace. Some people may only require a couple of sessions while others may require longer. It is generally suggested to attend a minimum of six sessions after which we can review and decide how to continue moving forward. Appointments are on a weekly basis especially at the start of your therapy which assists in the development of trust and give continuity of the relationship.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is fundamental to our work as trust is paramount to the therapeutic process. There can however be certain legal and ethical exceptions which I will clarify for you at our initial meeting.
Counselling gives you the opportunity to make sense of the difficulties and emotional pain you are experiencing in your life. It can be difficult and distressing to manage these thoughts and feelings on your own and talking to those close to you may not be possible. Counselling can provide you with a safe, supportive and confidential space allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings about what is happening for you without being judged or criticised.
Can it help me?
Therapy can help you face up to yours fears and hurts and make sense of them in the present. Old hurts and traumas can linger on in your psyche and affect how you feel now and the decisions you are making in your life. Counselling can help ease some of these hurts and painful experiences which help you in coping better and giving you the opportunity to make changes in your life.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by phone, email or text. I will respond to you with a phone call within 24 hours. During this call I will ask you briefly about the current difficulties you are facing in order to get a sense of what is bringing you to counselling. From here we can arrange a date and time to meet. All calls and enquires are handled in the strictest confidence.
How long does a session last and how much does it cost?
A session will last for 1 hour and the fee is €70.00 per session for individuals. I provide a sliding scale for those on low income, which can be discussed when we meet. If you need to cancel a session I request that you inform me 48 hours ahead of time, otherwise I will have to charge the full fee for missed appointments, as it impacts on the availability for other clients.
What can I expect from my first appointment?
The first meeting is not a typical counselling session as I will be gathering information and taking notes as we speak. This is the only time I will take notes in a session. The initial appointment enables us to decide whether it will be helpful for us to work together. It carries no obligation. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you would like from therapy and the key issues arising from this. The first appointment is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling with me then a contract will be agreed specifying the times, fees and confidentiality. We will decide to see each other for 6 sessions and then review it again after the 6th session.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no specific answer to this question as everyone has different reasons for attending counselling and each individual works at their own pace. Some people may only require a couple of sessions while others may require longer. It is generally suggested to attend a minimum of six sessions after which we can review and decide how to continue moving forward. Appointments are on a weekly basis especially at the start of your therapy which assists in the development of trust and give continuity of the relationship.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is fundamental to our work as trust is paramount to the therapeutic process. There can however be certain legal and ethical exceptions which I will clarify for you at our initial meeting.