Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right therapist?
A good place to start when looking for a counsellor is to look at their profile to see if they mention the issue you are seeking counselling for.
For example, if you are looking for specialised support, make sure the therapist has specific training in that field for which you are seeking counselling for.
You can also ask for a free 15 minute introductory call to see if you feel comfortable in the first instance. Counsellors should offer this before booking you an appointment.
Remember, the relationship between you both will take time to build upon, but if you don’t feel comfortable or click with them from the start, it’s ok to try and find another one.
Ask the potential therapist, What is your style of practice? How will you relate to me? Do you offer feedback, or are you a non-verbal therapist? What is your training? Do you specialise in the specific area that I am experiencing?
There are many types of therapy, what type of therapy do I need?
There are different modalities or ‘types’ of therapy available, and if you are not sure, again, it will be a good idea to shop around. Speak to a variety of potential counsellors on the phone if you can, to gain a sense of what they are like and how they work.
For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a specific way of working which can work on challenging and specific thought processes which can lead to negative emotions. However, this type of therapy might not be appropriate for a person who is seeking therapy for bereavement.
Some therapy ‘styles’ are completely client led, whereby the counsellor does not offer any kind of feedback, reflection or summary of the session and takes a more non-verbal communication style. Some will just listen, and that is important to know because you may not be looking for that.
You may prefer a counsellor who is a bit more challenging in style, communicative, offering ongoing reflections throughout, detailing summary of your sessions or discussing recurring themes and helping you to connect the dots.
What if I can’t afford the price?
It is always a good idea to contact the therapist and ask if they offer concessionary rates.
For example, if you are a student, on a lower income, a single parent, an older person who is not working, or you work for the emergency services, maybe you are in training or on certain benefits or struggling financially for other reasons.
As a therapist, I would much prefer a person to reach out and ask for help and gain the support they need, rather than to continue to struggle on their own.
I have many clients who pay me less than I have advertised, due to a variety of reasons.
How long will I need to have therapy?
Depending on the issue you are seeking counselling for, it may affect the timeline of your treatment.
Of course, it will always be your decision as to how long you have counselling for.
Short–term counselling can be extremely beneficial in specific circumstances.
I have worked with individuals and couples who needed brief interventions to get back on track, 6 -12 weeks, for instance. Whilst others have had therapy for 6 months and then taken a break, returning later or have ended due to completing their counselling goals, feeling much better and able to end.
Others may be in therapy, with goals that take longer, and they choose to have counselling for a year or more.
There is no right or wrong, and the most important factor, no matter what the timeline is, is that you can gain positive results and have a positive experience with your therapist.
Will counselling work for me?
Counselling requires us to explore our vulnerabilities, which can put us off counselling due to the fear of our emotions. But a trained professional will know how to support you through this, and it can absolutely lead to the results that you are hoping for.
However, the therapist is there to aid you in doing the work, not to do it for you. So, yes, it can and will work if you are open to the therapeutic process that takes place.
Remember, it is ok to change counsellors if you feel that it isn’t quite right for you or doesn’t work for you.
Contact Chloe
Call Chloe for a FREE 15 minute consultation or email any questions or enquiries you may have.
Telephone: 07919 411477
E-mail: Chloe@counsellingwithchloe.co.uk
Counselling can be face to face in Surbiton London or Weybridge Surrey therapy rooms or online.