How does counselling work?
Through counselling, I can help people change unhelpful behaviours that are becoming problematic to their lives and their relationships. I do this through helping them understand what causes the unhelpful behaviours and help to discover more positive ways to change the unwanted behaviours. I also help people feel better about themselves (increasing self-esteem) by changing negative beliefs about themselves and others. Low self-esteem often causes people to make poor decisions or put up with bad treatment by others. I work with people who come to see me to make sense of a troubled or traumatic past so they can be happier in the present and the future.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
I have experience with both short term (1-6 sessions) and longer term work (over 6 sessions). The number of sessions and frequency varies from person to person depending on the circumstances. Usually at the conclusion of the first appointment I will be able to let you know how many sessions I would recommend. I appreciate that what is recommended may not always be affordable and I am willing to discuss an arrangement that would best fit your situation. Sometimes meeting less frequently can work well.
What about confidentiality?
In accordance with the NZAC Code of Ethics all counsellors are required to take brief notes of each session. These notes serve as a record and can be a useful reminder for both the counsellor and the client of important themes in the counselling conversation. All notes are stored securely and verbal or written information about you will not be disclosed without your explicit consent. However, if you inform a counsellor of a situation of serious risk to yourself or to others this information may need to be disclosed to a third party, preferably with your consent. Further information can be found here on the NZAC website.
What happens if I am not satisfied?
While it is my expectation that I will provide a quality professional service, if you are not satisfied with the service you have received, you are welcome to discuss this with me. If you would prefer not to talk to me directly, or if after talking with me you remain dissatisfied, you are entitled to contact NZAC to submit a formal complaint.