Alight Counselling
Do I need counselling?
Life is full of challenges. Sometimes they can become too much for us to manage on our own. For example, loss of a loved one can be very hard to bear alone and it can help to talk it through. Some people find themselves in destructive relationships time and again and don't know why. Other people experience debilitating worry about certain things. There are also those who have very low self-esteem which undermines their confidence and happiness. Today there are also many who struggle with addictions of various kinds. If you experience these or other difficulties, you are likely to benefit from counselling. Be brave and reach out. You do not have to struggle alone.
What happens during counselling?
The first session is all about getting to know you, discovering what is bothering you and what your goal/s are regarding counselling treatment. It is all about you. Depending on the issue/s, we may explore not only your current situation, but also past events relevant to your concerns. At the beginning of each consecutive appointment, we catch up on how your days have been since we last spoke, discuss any 'homework' you may have done between sessions and any issues this may have raised. Then we work together to discover your best way forward from that point. Along the way you will gain life skills to stand you in better stead for future challenges.
How can counselling help me?
The counselling space is a safe space where you can freely discuss your issues and concerns without being judged. First and foremost the counselling space is a place where you are accepted, respected and heard. As a counsellor I support you and I support your best interests. This is often a liberating experience for clients, and can precipitate the beginning of the healing process.
Will our conversations remain confidential?
Confidentiality is paramount in counselling. What is discussed remains undisclosed under all but specific circumstances. These exceptions pertain to legal requirements when a counsellor believes the client intends to seriously harm themself or another person, or has already done so. Please visit the Privacy and Policy page for more details.
Medication vs. Counselling
Medication can be very useful, but when medication ceases, so do the benefits. The benefits of counselling, however, continue into the future, because the underlying cause/s of your distress have been addressed and new life skills have been learnt. This helps to increase your resilience, and makes you less likely to need counselling in the future.
It is not unusual for people facing life crises to be prescribed short-term medication in combination with counselling. This approach can work quite well. It is always best to check with your medical doctor to see what the best treatment is in your individual circumstances.
It is not unusual for people facing life crises to be prescribed short-term medication in combination with counselling. This approach can work quite well. It is always best to check with your medical doctor to see what the best treatment is in your individual circumstances.
Initial Email Contact
Following your initial contact I will provide you with the clinic address for face to face counselling, or I will send you a link via email for online counselling. Payment for sessions is made online, prior to your appointment. Details are provided after bookings are made.
Please keep in mind that online counselling requires you to ensure your own privacy during appointments, as I have no control over your environment while we are speaking online.
Please keep in mind that online counselling requires you to ensure your own privacy during appointments, as I have no control over your environment while we are speaking online.