Single Session Therapy

Sometimes we just need help on a specific issue in the present

What is it?

It is not always easy to see the solution to a problem when you are embedded in a situation.

 

Single Session Therapy is all about efficiency, accessibility and empowerment. It can be a valuable approach for a wide range of issues where longer term therapy is not a requirement.

 

It is not a quick fix for deep rooted issues. It actually offers immediate support for efficient, focused help with a specific manageable problem which may require a new perspective and a structured approach to find practical, actionable tools, strategies and solutions.

The First Step

Prior to our session, we will have an initial telephone conversation and complete an assessment form to understand the primary issue you want to address, what you have done so far to resolve it and what the obstacles are. This will ensure that we are prepared and can be solution focused during our session rather than gathering background information. We will then meet at my premises or online for the actual session.

First step

The first step to getting anywhere is deciding that you are no longer willing to stay where you are.

Session Structure

During the session, we will work together to define what you want to achieve from the session. Using a strengths-based approach, we will identify your own strengths and resources to address the issue. We will then focus on specific areas for change. I will work with you to guide, appropriately challenge and explore and identify appropriate tools and strategies to help you achieve your goals and enable you to find a solution.

 

Empowerment

We work together in a goal-orientated, focussed approach to help you take an active role in finding actionable solutions

What Next?

Single Session Therapy is aimed to be just that. However, should you feel that you need additional sessions or would like to explore other issues in the future, then we can arrange that.

 

If this sounds right for you, then please get in touch.

Journey

Therapy is your internal journey. It's where you are going rather than how you get there. You don't have to do it alone. Trust the process.

Why Choose Me?

Professional

Professionally qualified and highly experienced Therapist

Effective

Track record of successful outcomes and recommendations

Specialist

Individual therapy and couples counselling specialist

Accessible

Choice of face-to-face, Zoom or telephone sessions

Secure

Online system to maintain privacy of your personal details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is counselling/therapy?
There are strict guidelines that a counsellor must adhere to at all times. Counselling is a contractual arrangement between a qualified counsellor (me) and a client (you) who meet in privacy and confidence to explore issues you may be experiencing. Counselling is always undertaken at your request and no-one should ever be ’sent’. There are many situations where people with influence in our lives may suggest counselling as a solution to a problem. This should be offered without any pressure or strings attached. Usually, people come to counselling when they have a problem and so the ‘type’ of therapy used by the counsellor is often overlooked. As in all situations there is more than one way of dealing with issues and counselling is no different.
What type of therapy is it?
There are many different approaches to therapy. I have trained in Person-Centred Approach (PCA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Focus Oriented Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, CAMS – Clinical Assessment and Management of Suicidality and Couples Counselling and am committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), regularly attending additional courses covering a wide range of issues and approaches. I work pluralistically, drawing from different approaches to meet your needs in a challenging but respectful manner, endeavouring to make theoretical knowledge relevant to you individually to help you understand and make positive change to your life.
What is the difference between individual and couples counselling?
In individual therapy, we focus on issues affecting you but in relationships there are three elements, both of you as individuals and the relationship. In couples counselling, we focus on the relationship.
How many sessions will I/we need to have?
Each session lasts for one hour on a weekly basis, although some chose to have fortnightly sessions. However, it is not possible to pre-determine how many sessions you will need. There are no constraints on the number of sessions you have. Some need only a few sessions and others continue with sessions for many months. We will review our work together regularly and it depends on when you feel you have achieved what you want from therapy that we agree and plan an appropriate ending.
What happens during the first session?
The first session is an informal overview of where you are in your relationship, the problems you are experiencing and where you want to get to. It is a two-way process so it’s also an opportunity for you to ‘suss’ me out and clarify any questions you may have. To some extent we often have reservations when meeting someone new but in therapy trust is very important.
What happens in subsequent sessions?
If you decide to continue, it is really important that you make a firm commitment to attending regularly. After the initial session, I would then have an individual session with both of you in order to understand your perspective in more depth. All future sessions would be together as a couple. We can work on understanding how you arrived at this place and can look at your different perspectives and needs from the relationship and explore the options open to you. At times counselling can be demanding, frustrating, emotional and just plain difficult. There are no guarantees, but if approached properly it will involve some hard work for all of us.
What won’t happen in therapy?
I will help you to make decisions and changes together but I won’t tell you what to do. Counselling is not like going to a doctor to be ‘cured, I won’t judge you, prescribe a wonder/miracle cure for your relationship issues or give you advice but will empower you to make your own decisions based on mutual understanding and improved communication.
Do I/we have to tell you everything about myself?
No. Your therapy sessions are yours and you have a right to take things at a speed that you are comfortable with. That said, obviously withholding details that could otherwise be helpful to your therapy can slow progress. Trust is an important part of the relationship between clients and counsellors just as it is in your relationship and as trust builds up between us you are likely to reveal more about yourself and as a result, discover more.
Will everything I/we say be kept confidential?
Usually what you talk about in your therapy sessions is confidential; however, there may be some circumstances that may prompt me to talk to another professional. The main exceptions to confidentiality are:
- Supervision of my work which is a requirement of my profession - When I have your permission to breach confidentiality:
- When it is in the wider public interest such as a risk of harm to self or others:
- If a court has made a legal order:
Session notes are stored on a secure site. You will be provided with full details before your first session to enable you to be aware of confidentiality terms.
How will I/we know if counselling is working?
I am committed to providing counselling that adheres to the highest standards of quality and service. Part of that commitment is helping you to achieve the outcomes you want from therapy. For this reason it is very important that you are involved in monitoring your progress and we will review our work together regularly.
Where do we meet?
You have a choice of meeting face-to-face at my practice rooms in Warton or Lancaster or via Zoom video conferencing depending on your preference.
How much does it cost?
Your investment is £80 per 60 minute session OR £450 for six pre-booked sessions. Couples may choose to have 90 minute sessions after the initial and individual sessions at £120 per session. Payment can be made via BACS prior to the session.
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