José Penrose

Mind to Change

Counselling

Counselling is a way of helping you to look at a personal problem, understand it better and reach some decisions about how you might deal with it. A counsellor listens carefully to your worries, tries to understand what you are saying (and sometimes hears what you are not saying) and helps you to develop skills and resources to work out your own solutions. You will be amazed how empowering it can be to have someone really listen to you.

You may have had a sudden life crisis, such as a bereavement, or you may just be feeling confused and have problems coping with your emotions, relationships or behaviour. I will not give advice. Nor will I be able to provide you with a ready-made solution to your problem. What I will do is support you whilst you explore your ways of being and help you to make any changes you decide on.

It is essential that you feel able to trust your counsellor completely in order for the counselling process to work. I am a member of a professional body, which lays down a strict code of ethics. I have regular supervision with a professionally qualified supervisor which means that an independent person monitors the way I work with you. This is for your protection as well as mine.

I will never reveal your name or your personal details. Everything you say in the counselling room will remain completely confidential. We will agree the time and length of each meeting - usually once a week for about one hour. It is important that you arrive on time and, if you are unable to keep an appointment, that you give as much notice as possible. It is important too that you allow at least one session to talk through ending the relationship if you decide to stop counselling for any reason. If you need further or more specialist help, I will be able to give you appropriate names and telephone numbers to contact.