Individual Counselling

Human beings have quite clearly wanted and needed to express their emotional experience throughout time. People have historically connected through stories, songs, dance, myths and rituals. In many communities individuals have been given the task of container for the community’s emotional struggles Shamans, tribal elders, confessionals are all examples. As the western world moved into industrialisation these traditional communities based on extended families have disappeared. Without the capacity for individuals to come together and share their inner world with others in a meaningful way a sense of isolation and alienation can be painfully felt. When this isolation is exacerbated by experiences of trauma or overwhelming pressure from internal or external pressures then parts of the psychic self can collapse into symptoms we recognise as mental distress.

There are differing theoretical approaches to Counselling and you may come across titles such as Psychodynamic, Integrative, Cognitive Behavioural, Humanistic, Person Centred, Systemic etc. However what is true and essential in all these differing types of counselling is that they provide a safe, confidential, reliable space in which a trusting therapeutic relationship can be established. Sessions are usually weekly for 50 minutes and, where possible, are maintained at the same day and time each week. Within these protected sessions the client can share and explore without judgement. Their emotional distress, sense of self and problematic experiences will be listened to and explored in the hope of gaining insight and enabling the client a deeper understanding which could promote relief and positive change.

What to expect from counselling?

At Hertford Counselling Service we appreciate that it can be very difficult to make the first step and arrange an initial appointment. We would begin by offering an initial appoint in which the client would share whatever they feel comfortable discussing. We would ask standard questions about safety, previous therapeutic interventions, contact information and hopes from the Counselling. This initial meeting is also a chance for the client to ask questions and to consider whether they feel that further sessions would be wanted at that time. If both client and counsellor feel that more sessions would be helpful then a plan is made to meet again usually in the following week for the next session. We provide some paperwork to the client which includes a contract that outlines our code of ethics, confidentiality and fees agreed etc. The sessions will always be with the same counsellor, in the same room at the same location. There may be the choice of having online sessions rather than face to face but this can be discussed with the counsellor. The client may choose to attend a fixed number of sessions or work on a more open-ended way, meaning that they continue to attend each week until such time that they feel that counselling is no longer needed.