COUNSELLING & SUPERVISION

With COLLEEN RYAN

PGDip Couns., RMN,

BACP Accredited Counsellor

Counselling provides an opportunity for you to share problems with someone who has the time and skills to listen without getting upset or involved.

Counselling is intended to help people to think through their thoughts and feelings and gain a better understanding of their situation. By helping to develop a new outlook, counselling can often lead people to find new ways of coping with problems for themselves.

HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?

People seek counselling for several reasons. There are times in most peoples lives when they feel worried or depressed and are not coping as well as they usually do. People may feel angry or hurt about things that have happened in the past, concerned about current difficulties, or anxious about the future. Other people come for counselling as a way of finding and developing their strengths and learning to get more out of life.

CONFIDENTIALITY

I will not disclose the details of discussions we have together. I will write brief notes following each of our sessions together and these will be kept in a locked cabinet. I will discuss my work with my supervisor. This is to help me think through the issues you are bringing to counselling and gain fresh ideas about my approach.

The only exception to the rule of confidentiality would be if I had strong reasons to believe that you are puting yourself or others at risk of serious harm. If this were the case, I would try to discus this with you first. If we were unable to resolve the situation I would consult my supervisor before contacting appropriate agencies such as your GP.

Anyone receiving counselling has the right to see any counselling notes written about them unless they contain confidential information about other people. If you wish to see my notes, please raise this with me.

ACCEPTING, CHANGING OR CANCELLING APPOINTMENTS

I will discuss with you the number and frequency of your sessions. The sessions usually last for 50 minutes and take place on a weekly or fortnightly basis, although other arangements can be made.

Once you have agreed your appointments, it is not usually possible to replace sessions that you don't attend. It is therefore important to let me know of any arrangements you have made, such as holidays, that clash with counselling appointments.

If you do have to miss an appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.

If you fail to attend two appointments in a row and do not contact me, I will assume that you no longer want counselling and will close your case.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF COUNSELLING

Some people find the first few counselling sessions difficult or uncomfortable because they are not sure what is expected of them or what to say when they are given time to talk about themselves. It is helpful to let me know if this happens to you as talking about how you feel is an important aspect of the counselling process.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

I am an accredited counsellor with the British Association of Counselling (BACP). In addition I am a qualified relationship counsellor.

I work with the BACP code of ethics & practice. I can supply you with a copy of these if you request them.

I would be happy to discuss any questions you may have about this information or any issue relating to counselling with you.

Cost:

Individual Counselling: £35 - £40

Couple Counselling £40 - £45

Supervision - Individuals: £40 - £45

Supervision - Organisations: £40

To arange an appointment with Colleen Ryan, please contact PAX on: (0191) 2515403