Is counselling confidential?
Yes! You can speak openly and honestly with me and I will keep our conversation confidential. The only exception to this is if I am concerned about your safety or the safety of others. If you are unsure, please ask!
Why should I come to counselling?
- You may have some hopes for yourself or others
- Need support to help manage life better
- Desire to change something and want support
- Have a problem or concern
- Have a hope for the future you wish to explore
What happens?
When we meet we will talk together about your life and what you bring to share. Through conversations we share knowledge and explore ideas to help identify problems and how these affect your life and relationships. Narrative therapy is based on the idea that “problems are the problem, not people, and not their relationships”.
I will listen in a respectful, non-blaming way that recognises your knowledge, values and unique abilities. Narrative therapy is about how we can work together to construct stories that help you. I will write notes during our session to honour your thoughts and stories. Sometimes I might invite you to explore your stories through art, poetry, language, colour or something else.
How long does it take?
Session lengths are normally one hour. We can discuss this at the beginning of the session. The number of counselling sessions you may want to take part in is up to you! This may be from one or two, through to ongoing counselling over a number of weeks. I recommend that each counselling should be a week a part.
Ethics
I work within a set of values and ethical principles called the ‘Code of Ethics’ This means that I respect your dignity, work in partnership with you, give you independence/freedom to make your own choices, be honest and truthful, respect cultural diversity and all human experience. More details can be found at nzac.org.nz
Supervision
Supervision is an established practice and a requirement for counsellors in New Zealand. In order to provide the best possible service I will regularly meet with my supervisor to discuss my practice. Please ask if you have any further questions.