How many counselling sessions will I need?

First session

The aim of the first session is to see if we can work together. Choosing the right counsellor for your individual needs is important.

A counsellor needs to be able to offer the right kind of skills, in order to work effectively with you.

How many sessions will I need?

Change may be swift or rather slow, so counselling may take a few weeks or a few months.

I will usually suggest an initial course of 6 sessions.

We will regularly review our work together. We may decide to decrease the number of sessions, to space them out, or to continue for a while longer.

NB: Please note you are under no obligation to continue with counselling. If you feel at any stage that you do not wish to continue, then you are free to end the sessions.

Sometimes counselling can open up difficult areas. If you cease counselling abruptly it may leave you feeling vulnerable. It is important you find alternative support to help you cope.

What is counselling?

One to one professional help for adults, with a range of issues. These could include:

Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Loss and Bereavement
Relationship difficulties
Self esteem
Bullying
Workplace issues
Panic attacks
Anger management
Distressing life events

Points to consider

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Counselling is more effective if you want help. Don’t be pushed into it.
You decide which issues you wish to talk about.
Counselling is not a magic bullet or a quick fix!
Counselling is not telling you what to do, or judging you.
Counselling is not giving advice, unless you request it.