Counselling exists to help people explore feelings and emotions that are often related to past experiences. It can be very helpful to have support to reflect on what is happening in your life (especially when times are difficult, you have a difficult decision to make, or you are feeling low), and to consider alternative ways of doing things.

Usually, counselling takes place weekly in a confidential setting. Counselling is a unique experience in which you have someone taking the time to listen attentively to you in a friendly, non-judgemental way.

Thus, counselling works best when a person feels comfortable with the therapist. It can help some people do some work between sessions. This could simply be keeping a journal and making brief entries each day, or practising regular breathing and relaxation exercises.

At the first session, my objective is to help the person feel comfortable and as relaxed as possible. I understand that starting counselling can be daunting. I remember the first time I went to see a therapist and how vulnerable and unsure I felt. Now the position is reversed; I always try to remember what it must feel like coming for the first time. During the first session, we will talk about what the goal for therapy might be, perhaps a problem, low mood, lack of self-esteem, and not feeling good about yourself. Or, perhaps relationship issues or a traumatic memory that has recently been triggered. 

I try to make the first part of the session very focused on what is on the client's heart and what brings them for therapy. Later in the session, I will make some notes about how many counselling sessions they are thinking about, or whether to make it open-ended. There is no problem with changing ideas about this later. I will also gather personal history to understand the events that have shaped how the person sees the world and which values are important to them. Sometimes just talking through their life can be a very cathartic experience for some people. It is very rare these days to have the opportunity to talk to someone who is a good listener, who is fully focused on you and on how to help you. The information I gather will include basic contact information, as well as information about family and life experiences. I will explain that all this information will remain confidential (and the limits of confidentiality) during the session. I will also explain other aspects of our agreement on how we work together. (I will send you information on my contract and ethics statement before the first session. You can find my Privacy Policy on this website). 

“Thank you Colin for your time, and the energy and wise words you have helped me with, I have really appreciated your help trying to unravel the ‘real’ me.”

“A huge thank you for your time, patience and your help and expertise. I have learned a huge amount about myself through the exercises we have done, through the models you have shown me and the books you have recommended”.