FAQs | Vale Counselling |

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The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

Carl Rogers

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Most people use the term ‘counselling’, which has similarities with psychotherapy and there is a great deal of overlap with the two types of therapy. Generally, counselling tends to shorter in the number of sessions and address specific issues such as grief, divorce, job loss and the number of sessions tend to be shorter. Whereas, Psychotherapy lasts longer which means there’s time to delve into the past such as experiences durning childhood, attachments, defences, and other factors that might be contributing to present day problems.

How do we start and what happens in sessions?

Once you makes contact I offer an initial free 20 minute zoom or telephone consultation to briefly discuss concerns and what areas you want support with. If you feel comfortable and wish to proceed an appointment will be offered, either face to face, zoom or phone contact. The first session usually covers the client/counsellor contract (confidentiality, fees, appointment times, cancellations etc) and establishing in more detail areas of concern. The number of sessions required depends on the individual and can vary from one or two appointments to blocks of six or a lot longer; reviews take place every six weeks but generally you will have an ongoing opportunity to reflect on how you are finding the sessions.

How do I pay and what is the fee for each session?.

Payment is via BACS.

Each session lasts 60 minutes- cost £50 per session.

Couples Counselling - £60 per session

I have a limited number of places for those on low income, receiving universal credit or counsellor/psychotherapist students working to fund their training.

What can counselling help me with?

Some clients know what they want to work on in counselling such as a difficult life events like losing your job, bereavement, relationship issues or maybe struggling to manage anxiety and depression. Sometimes it can feel like a whole raft of things, but whatever your concerns and difficulties are counselling can help you work through complicated feelings, emotions and notice our responses to these; it can be helpful to identify how these impact on your daily life and gain insights.