What if I don’t know exactly what’s wrong?
If you know there is something wrong, that’s a good place to start. Together we’ll talk about what’s going on, and as we talk, ‘what is wrong’ will probably become clear. It’s no problem for me if you don’t know exactly what’s wrong, instead it is a good starting place.
Am I “bad” enough to need counselling or therapy?
There isn’t an entrance test to start counselling, and comparing yourself to others isn’t relevant here. You’re allowed to get some support at any time, you don’t have to be a certain level of ‘bad’ to get support. In fact, it’s probably kinder to yourself and those around you to get some help before anything gets ‘too’ bad.
Do I need to prepare for sessions?
No, you don’t need to prepare for sessions, we can talk about whatever is on your mind each time. Or I could suggest an area I have been curious about for you. If you want to prepare, you could write a journal and bring it along to your sessions for inspiration. You could also make some notes about what you’d like to explore each time.
What will we talk about?
What we talk about is always up to you – if you have a sense of something particular you either do or don’t want to talk about, I’ll go with that. Sometimes, I might have questions about why we are or aren’t talking about a certain topic, but that’s all. Some things we might talk about when we start are: What brings you here? Do you have any experience of anything like this before? What sort of support do you have around you?
Do I have to talk about everything immediately?
It’s probably best if you don’t, to be honest. First, we will build a relationship, and we will talk about things as you feel ready. Maybe the thing that brings you to therapy is something extremely painful, and actually you want to test the waters first, explore something that feels a bit safer first. When you’re ready to talk about the painful things, I’ll be ready to listen.
Will you ask lots of questions?
Typically no, I won’t ask you lots of questions. I’ll ask questions when I want more detail, or insight into a feeling, or if something isn’t clear to me, or when I want to clarify something. I’ll also ask when I’m curious about things. And I’ll also ask about connections or patterns I think I might be seeing. If you prefer that I ask lots of questions, or that I don’t ask questions, just say – this could be something we talk about as well.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
We might first of all, talk about what it’s like for you when you don’t know what to talk about. We might wait a bit, and see if anything comes to you. Or you could look at your notes or journal, if you use these, and see if there’s anything there you feel is right to talk about. I will always have things about you or your history that I am curious about, so you could choose for me to start things off. There are a lot of options so it’s really not a problem if you don’t know what to talk about.
How long is a session?
Sessions last 50 minutes.
How much does a session cost?
Each session costs £60. I offer sessions at £35 for any employee of an ambulance service.
How does online counselling work?
Online counselling is really very similar to face to face counselling. It might be easier if you experience anxiety, as you don’t have to worry about getting here, and you can be comfortable in your own space. Counselling works because it is a place where you can talk through difficult things, with a trained professional who has no personal agenda, other than to understand what it’s like for you. Getting your thoughts and feeling out of your head can help make things clearer, and exploring what is happening with someone else can also be helpful.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
I suppose the only way to find out is to try it! How about arranging a free 15 minute initial meeting with me, and we can talk about whether we could work well together? Please use the contact form, and we can book one in.
What are my next steps?
The next thing to do is to email me – use the contact form or email me directly jessica@jessicatettcounselling.co.uk. Tell me that you’re interested in working together, and let me know a few different days and times you are available to meet. I’ll reply to you, usually within 48 hours. I’ll give you more information about what I offer, and if I have availability, I’ll suggest a first session at a particular day or time. I’ll also suggest that we arrange a free 15 minute initial meeting some time in the next week. Once we have settled on a day and time for our first meeting, I’ll send you a form for your personal details, and a contract for our work together. You’ll pay me by bank transfer before we meet, and I’ll send you a zoom invitation either the day before or on the day of our meeting. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!