EJS Counselling & Psychotherapy

Who else will know? Is counselling confidential?

Confidentiality is an extremely important part of the counselling arrangement and I take it very seriously. However, there are a few aspects of confidentiality that I think need to be explained.

Counsellors are required to work with a supervisor to improve their practise (please go to www.bacp.co.uk to learn more about counselling and the ethical framework I work by). When I see my supervisor, it is sometimes necessary to tell her small parts of your story in order to help me work better with you. I do not tell my supervisor any more than I need to and she does not know the identity of any of my clients.

The only time I might break confidentiality with you would be if I thought you or another person were in danger of harm; I would only do this after discussion with you about your options; I would always prefer for you to seek further help yourself, and would only break confidentiality myself in an extreme case.

In the event of my death or incapacity, my professional executor would be informed of my clients contact details, so that she could contact you to inform you of my situation and help you to find a new counsellor if you wanted one.

I can discuss all the aspects of confidentiality more with you when we meet for the first time.


What is the difference between Short and Long Term Counselling?

Short Term (8-12 sessions)
Through talking and sharing a client is helped to explore thoughts, possibly difficult or painful feelings and related behaviours which may help an individual to reach a clearer self understanding. During this exploration the client may be helped to find and use their inner resources and strengths, so that they can cope more effectively with life by making appropriate decisions and taking relevant action.

Long Term
Longer term or ongoing counselling tends to deal with more deep-seated personal issues which may bring about profound changes and healing of old hurts. In the process of therapy the client is encouraged to look closely at their past, their childhood and relationships with their parents and other important people. This exploration helps increase their awareness and understanding of current patterns and negative habits that may have become unconscious daily habits. This can promote potential change and self growth.

What approaches do EJS Counselling Therapists draw upon as integrative counsellors?

Person Centred Counselling.
Offers a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor, in which the client can explore what they need and want, and how they can achieve their goals.

Psychodynamic Counselling.
Works by bringing unconscious processes and emotions into consciousness; there is an emphasis on the influence of the past and on recurring patterns of behaviours and relationships.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Works by examining the ways that thoughts, feelings and behaviours can affect each other, and how different aspects of these can be changed to solve specific problems.

Art Therapy.
A non-verbal way of revealing deeper emotions that may not otherwise be clearly expressed. The client is encouraged to express themselves freely through art, allowing a link between the subconscious and the product of the art therapy.

Play Therapy.
A client uses play to help communicate their personal perceptions without feeling interrogated or threatened. The therapist uses specific techniques to assess how the client experiences their world.

Usefull Links

www.bacp.co.uk
www.healers.co.uk
UK & Ireland Directory of Counselling and Psychotherapy
www.naturaltherapypages.co.uk
www.suffolkassociationforcounselling.org.uk/
Natural Therapies for All
Floatation Centre
Citizens Advice Centres
Nicky Hardridge Counselling
Trauma Advice Group
Self-Harm Support
The Anti-Bullying Network