Question 1

What is Counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. It is a way of exploring and thinking about things that are worrying you in a safe, calm and non-judgemental environment.
 
Counselling can also help people if they are not sure what to do by giving them some time to think through possible ideas.
 
All of us at some point in our lives will experience times when we feel that we are overwhelmed or cannot cope. These feelings often impact on other areas of our life. These feelings may affect our work, family, our relationship with others, or our personal life, to the extent that we feel unable to live in a successful or satisfactory way. This may be the time to seek out a counsellor.

Question 2

What happens in Counselling sessions?

Accepted Answer

When we meet for the first time, we will talk through the issues that you are experiencing and how counselling might be able to help. Sometimes people have clear goals of what they want to achieve from therapy, other people have no idea what they want to work on but know they just want to feel better. This is something we would discuss and agree together. In the first session, I will ask some questions to gather information that will give me an insight into your life and presenting issues - I may note a few things down that I feel are important. I will also talk through the counselling contract and privacy policy so you know what to expect from me.
 
In future sessions, I will encourage you to talk about your feelings and emotions - I will listen to you and try my best to understand and support you without judgement. I will aim to help you gain a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings and thought processes and encourage you to find solutions to the problems you are facing. I will not analyse, advise or tell you what you should do, but I may offer a suggestion or two if I think it might help.

Question 3

Will my sessions be Confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All sessions are confidential. There are some exceptions to this related to child protection issues, terrorism and acts of treason which are fully discussed in the first session and outlined in the counselling agreement.
 
I do not share information with any person, professional or organisation unless you ask me to, or give me consent to do so.
 
My therapy room is a comfortable, confidential space on my property which is discreetly accessed off my drive and separate from my home.

Question 4

Can I do Counselling Online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I work with online with clients who are unable to attend sessions in person or prefer to meet online. This is convenient for people who aren't local to Nuneaton, who often need travel for work or for time saving purposes (e.g. to fit into a lunch break).
Some people like to work together in a hybrid way - meeting up in person when we can and online at other times.

It is important that you have a comfortable, confidential space to engage in counselling when working online.

Question 5

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I appreciate how difficult it can be making an enquiry; often when people contact me they are in distress and looking for some help as soon as possible.

If I don't have availability, I will do my best to link you up with an Associate Counsellor or signpost you to another appropriate counselling service.

Question 6

How much does Counselling cost?

Accepted Answer

My fees are:
£55 per 50 minute session for individuals
£65 per 60 minute session for couples/relationship counselling 
£50 per 50 minute session for individuals working online with an associate counsellor.
 
The first session is an assessment to talk through the issues you are having and how counselling could help with no obligation to begin therapy. At the end of this session we can discuss if therapy with me is right for you and make further bookings.

Question 7

How many Counselling sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Everyone is different, and so there is no set number of sessions that each person has. The length of your counselling journey will very much depend on your personal circumstances and needs. I would recommend that you commit to six sessions and then we can review the work we are doing. For some people, six sessions is enough, other may choose to access therapy for several months or even years. We would have regular reviews to check you are getting what you need from the counselling sessions, and ideally agree an ending together.

Question 8

How do I find you?

Accepted Answer

On booking, I will send a booking confirmation email with my address and details of how to find me.
 
I am based in the Whitestone area of Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

For online sessions you will receive details of how to access online meetings in your booking confirmation email.
 
Walk & Talk sessions usually take place from Paul's Land Recreation Ground with the Car Park as a meeting point (Off Mill Close, Nuneaton). The postcode is CV11 6QD.

Question 9

Is there any parking nearby?

Accepted Answer

There may be a space available on my driveway, depending on the time of your appointment. If there is a space - do feel free to park on the drive. 
 
If there is no space available you will need to find a place to park in a nearby street.
 
For Walk & Talk sessions - parking is available at Paul's Land Car Park.
 
Please note all parking is at your own risk.

Question 10

Do you have access for wheelchair users?

Accepted Answer

The therapy room is located on the ground floor - I will do my best to accommodate any needs that you have to enable access. Please contact me to discuss access arangements.

Question 11

Can I book an appointment on behalf of a partner, friend or family member?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to see those we love or care about struggling, and you might want to do all you can to help. Ideally, it is better if the person in question can make an appointment for themselves, if they are able to. I will take enquiries from you on behalf of someone else if you have their full consent.

Question 12

What is an Associate Counsellor?

Accepted Answer

An Associate Counsellor is another counsellor who may be able to support you if I do not have the availability.

Associate Counsellors are qualified and experienced counsellors who have provided evidence of their qualifications and training, hold appropriate insurance and are members of a professional membership body.

Associate counsellors who work face to face will work from a different location in Weddington, Nuneaton - details will be sent out to you on booking.

Natalie Wickett
Counsellor/Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
in Nuneaton, Warwickshire

FAQ

Frequently asked questions