Elizabeth Layton

Dip. Counselling

MBABCP

How do I know if counselling is for me?

Ask yourself if any of these statements ring true:

• Sometimes I find life overwhelming and difficult to cope with
• Sometimes I have negative, unwanted thoughts and feelings
• I’m not sure which direction my life is going in
• I want to understand why I react the way I do
• I would like to understand myself better and relate to those around me and develop more positive and fulfilling relationships

If you feel that any of the above statements or similar apply to you then counselling maybe the appropriate choice for you.

How does counselling work?

Counselling works by offering the client time and space to explore their thoughts and feelings with the counsellor in a private, confidential setting. In the counselling sessions the client can talk about various aspects of their life freely and openly in a calm, non-judgemental atmosphere. By listening attentively the counsellor can begin to perceive the difficulties the client is encountering from the client’s point of view and help them see things with more clarity; possibly from a different perspective.

Counselling is a way of enabling change and does not involve giving advice or directing a client to make a particular choice. Through the counsellor’s acceptance and respect for the client, a relationship of trust can develop, enabling the client to feel comfortable talking about the issues affecting them. Counsellors do not judge or exploit the client in any way.

Counsellors and therapists use a variety of techniques to help the client. Some may be specific in the type of technique used, for example; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Others may use one or more techniques best suited to the client’s needs.

Telephone counselling is also a popular option for some clients; particularly if it is difficult for the client to receive face to face counselling. E-counselling, through e-mail or realtime via MSN Messenger is also an option and is growing in popularity due to our increasingly busy and stressful lifestyles. Find out more about e-counselling here.

IF YOU ARE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THEN ONLINE COUNSELLING IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.

Remember, if you are feeling suicidal, or are in danger, do not hesitate to contact any of the crisis lines (links) or the emergency services on 999.

All counselling takes place at my town centre practice.

What if I have a query before we get started?

I always provide free initial assessments for face to face and online counselling, which allows you to ask questions and get a feel for what counselling may entail before embarking upon your first counselling session. Initial enquiries by telephone and e-mail are free.

What if I develop a crisis while working with you?

If you happen to experience a crisis while undergoing counselling sessions with me you can telephone me and I will aim to reply to you as quickly as I can. If communicating by email please mark it ‘urgent’ I check my email regularly. Please note I may not be easily available during certain weekends and holidays, I will notify you two weeks in advance of any planned holidays. Any situation where you are in physical danger such as domestic abuse or suicidal thinking should be addressed by calling a crisis line or the emergency services on 999

How many counselling sessions would we have?

Essentially I am looking to help you achieve the positive change you seek in your life in a timely way that benefits you. Face to Face counselling may initially be for a time period of 8 weeks, but may go on to be many more if required. My aim is always to facilitate the clients independence and help to develop coping strategies and life skills.

How private and confidential are counselling sessions?

It is natural to be concerned to begin with about meeting the counsellor, that what is said and any personal information given will be kept private and confidential. It is a big step to come and talk to someone who to begin with is a stranger. Please let me reassure you that any personal information in documentation form will be kept safe and once no longer needed will be shredded and disposed of carefully.

Our counselling session will always be conducted in a confidential and private setting and I will never disclose our conversations with the exception of the following circumstances

• As part of my ongoing professional development I receive regular supervision sessions. During these sessions, client work may be discussed. However, to maintain confidentiality, you will not be identified by your name or by any other information that you may be recognised by.
• If you provide any information that indicates you are an immediate threat to yourself or anyone else, I reserve the right to contact the emergency services after discussing this course of action with you.
• If you are under the age of 18, parental consent to therapy may be required.
• If you provide any information that indicates you are committing an act of terrorism, money laundering or drug trafficking, I’m legally bound to inform the police without discussing this with you first.

What are your fees?

I do not have any set fees for my counselling services. However, should you wish to leave a donation, it would be gratefully received.