| 'To understand is to forgive, even oneself'. (Alexander Chase) |
Style of Counselling
Helen's style of counselling is designed to help you to explore your concerns and come to new awareness and understanding about them. The aim is to help you find fresh perspectives and see more clearly the choices, possibilities and changes you might wish to make.
As an Integrative counsellor, Helen draws on a variety of different approaches and methods to suit each individual person.
What Happens in the Sessions?
No issue is too small or too great to bring to counselling. It is common to feel apprehensive about seeing a counsellor or to worry about what will happen. Helen's style is warm, approachable and sensitive and there is no right thing for you to say or do. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the techniques used and any questions you may have.
Counselling is not about someone telling you what to do - it is about working through issues together, in ways which help you to clarify and understand more about your situation and how you would like things to be. You can then explore how to get to this happier state.
The sessions will usually be interactive where Helen will share her observations and feedback with you, rather than be a 'blank screen'. She will negotiate the direction of the work with you, rather than expect you to know how the sessions are to unfold. She will not be analysing you or telling you what you should do, but may share ideas and new perspectives with you. She may also offer worksheets or exercises for you to take away so that you can reflect on the work between sessions.How Long will it Take?
At the initial consultation, Helen will explain her methods and see whether you think you can work together. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable with a counsellor, as well as getting an impression of whether the methods and style may be useful to you.
Helen may suggest up to six sessions initially, which can then be extended where appropriate. Sessions are generally once a week at the same time. You can end the arrangement at any time, although this will usually be discussed together.
Counselling can help with:
- Loss of Confidence/Self-Esteem
- Difficulties with Relationships
- Indecision or Lack of Motivation
- Feeling Low or unhappy without knowing why
- Wanting to get More out of Life
- Facing Turning Points
- Supporting yourself whilst supporting others For people who cannot travel or fit personal appointments into their schedule, email or phone counselling is an excellent way of receiving support and guidance. Please contact Helen for further information.
Terms and Conditions for Counselling and Life-Coaching
Payment
You will required to pay for your session in advance by cheque or cash.
Re-scheduling, cancellations and missed appointments
If you need to re-schedule an appointment, 24 hours notice is required. If you fail to attend an appointment, without giving two hours notice, you will be charged the full fee.
If you are late for your appointment, it will still end at the original appointed time.
Confidentiality
Helen works under a strict ‘Ethical Framework for Good Practice’ established by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). It outlines the ways in which counselling and life-coaching should be conducted.
Whilst she is not entitled to divulge any information or details told to me under normal circumstances, if she felt you were in immediate danger to yourself, or to any other person,she would need to consider involving another person/agency.She would always try to discuss this with you first and this would only apply in extreme circumstances.
Both parties need to recognise the limitations of counselling and life-coaching and both reserve the right to end the agreement with two weeks’ notice.
Supervision
In accordance with BACP regulations all counsellors are required to receive Supervision of their counselling. A supervisor is someone consulted regularly to discuss work and offer support and guidance. In this setting some details of your situation may be discussed, but your name will not be mentioned, so that confidentiality is preserved. A supervisor never attends sessions and you will never be introduced to this person.
Helen is currently offering supervision to counsellors and listeners. If you are interested in supervision, please contact Helen by e-mail.
What happens next?
If you agree to these Terms and Conditions please contact Helen by phone or email confirming you are interested, and decide when you would like to make your first appointment. Once this is agreed, you can then send a cheque payable to Helen Allott (I will send you the address) to cover the first session at the current rates. She will email/call you on receipt of your payment and confirm the start date for your counselling or life-coaching.
Please note, Helen reserves the right to decline a request for counselling or life-coaching without give a reason. In this event she will return your payment to the address you have provided.
If you want more detailed information or answers to specific queries, please feel free to email . It is important that you feel confident and comfortable with the Terms and Conditions.
‘Professional and intelligent but Helen is always approachable’. A client