FAQ'S

What is the difference between Counselling/Therapy?

They are generally one of the same but for clarity I have broken it down to its simplest form.

Counselling is known as talking therapy, this is where a trained counsellor listens to you and helps to uncover ways to overcome emotional difficulties, emotions, and experiences in your life. Counselling can be extremely helpful to those who have never been truly listened to in confidence before, by a person removed from you personally and who accepts you without judgment. Counsellors will aim to help you uncover for yourself the answers you seek.

Therapy or Psychotherapy is very close to counselling but offers you a little more in the way of direction. Psychotherapists can help to uncover and resolve deeper and problematic issues, deep emotions and some past traumatic experiences which may have led to unwanted behaviors and issues in maintaining healthy relationships.

Psychotherapy is generally a longer process of therapy as once past traumas and limiting beliefs have been uncovered, we focus on maintaining new beliefs and integrating new behaviors. Time is spent reflecting on learning as you work through your thoughts and feelings and aims to support you whilst you are navigating new boundaries and goals in your life.

I am a qualified Person-Centered Counselling psychotherapist, working from a core belief that you hold within yourself, the answers to uncover your own way of being.

Whilst I offer tips and tools to help you uncover the answers for yourself, ultimately it is your choice in how we work but this will be discussed at the beginning and through out your sessions with me.

What happens in the first session?

In your first session we will meet to discuss in more detail what it is that has brought you to therapy. Here, we will also discuss collaboratively the way you would like us to work together and talk over any concerns or questions you might have. It may be an idea for you to prepare some questions to ask before, so that you are clear on what you require. We will need to do a little bit of housekeeping in the first session and go over the therapy contract. This takes only a few minutes and I encourage you to take away the contract to read in your own time at home. you can then bring back a signed copy at our next session.

How long does a session last?

Sessions last 50 minutes. 10 minutes is reserved at the end of each hour for me to write some process notes, which enables me to keep track of our work together.

What is NLP Coaching?

NLP therapists work with people to understand their thinking and behavioral patterns, emotional state, and aspirations. By examining a person's map, the therapist can help them find and strengthen the skills that serve them best and assist them in developing new strategies to replace unproductive ones

What you might like to know

The quantity of sessions is dependent on the reasons you are seeking therapy and on each individual's needs. Typically, it can last for 6-12 sessions and longer for those who require more support. I have long term clients spanning 4 years who increase and decrease their sessions depending on current circumstances. At 6 weeks, I will invite you to reflect and discuss either working towards an ending or continuing with your sessions.

I operate what I like to call an open-door service, meaning that whilst we may work towards an ending, life is ever evolving and can present issues at each turn, my hope is that you learn throughout our time together, the tools to address these for yourself in time.

Do you have a waiting list?

I do not like to hold a waiting list, the therapeutic relationship I offer is not time limited. If at any time my practice is full I can offer a small list of other therapists like myself, whom I know and trust to refer you to. If you feel however, that you would rather wait, I will ensure I keep in contact with you regularly and send you some supporting information until a space does become available.

What qualifies you to be a therapist?

I hold a BA Honours Degree and Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) I have also completed further training as set out below:

* Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults - Including holding an enhanced DBS.

* Working with trauma and anxiety.

* Working with Couples and relationships including lost connections, psychosexual issues, and infidelity.

* Diploma in CBT 

* Diploma in Advanced CBT.

* QLS Level 4 certificate in Child Psychology and Development.

* Qualified and experienced in working online and via the telephone, for those who are unable to attend in-person sessions.

* Qualified NLP Life Coach.

* Breath work facilitator

* EFT and TFT Tapping Accredited Facilitator

* Meditation Facilitator

* ADHD and AUTISM informed practitioner.

I also work with young and vulnerable people at an outside facility in Chelmsford, helping them to make sense of difficult feelings, emotions, and life events. I genuinely love this work as it's important to me that every child and vulnerable person has access to help from a safe source.

As part of my on-going training, I am also required to complete an additional 30 hours of CPD each year, certificates for completed courses can be shown upon request.

Where are you located? 

The Break Free Therapist operates under RH Counselling Service Ltd and is located in a stunning country setting on Layer Road in Colchester.

The Address is:

Unit 7 Kingsford Business Centre

Layer Road

Colchester

Essex

CO2 0HT

My therapy room has been designed to help make you feel at home, because I know how daunting it can be when you first attend therapy. It was my intention when I started my private practice to create a space that instantly calmed any anxious thoughts and encourage you to feel welcome and at ease.

Car parking is free, please make use of the gravel area.