How do I find the right counsellor?
Choosing a counsellor to walk alongside you is a very personal choice and several factors could influence your decision. A starting point could be a personal referral from someone you know, from your GP , or a more random investigation through various web sites e.g. www.thetherapistdirectory.co.za. It is important to consider that the outcome of your counselling therapy will in a large part depend on the quality of the relationship between you and the counsellor. You should feel comfortable enough to tell your story, ask questions and feel that you are in a safe and confidential space.
What is the process and what can I expect?
In the first session the relationship between the therapist and client begins when the client starts to tell their story and what might have brought them to seek counselling. The counsellor will listen sensitively as you describe your circumstances and will clarify points in your story and may also offer reflections on what your current circumstances are like for you. This is the start of a relationship based on trust and confidentiality. At this time a strategic therapeutic plan may be discussed with the client. Consideration needs to be given to the commitment of time and finances to the therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
This is a difficult question to answer and it depends on the reason that you are seeking therapy and a variety of other factors. Therapies can be:
Short: 1-5 sessions
Medium: 6-12 sessions
Long: 12+ sessions and ongoing
I believe that in three or four sessions a client should have a sense of having moved on in a desired direction or that some progress has been made.
What's the difference between a counsellor and a psychiatrist?
The simplest way to describe the difference between a counsellor and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, while a counsellor is not. A psychiatrist can counsel a client, but he/she can additionally diagnose conditions and prescribe medication.
Do you accept medical aid?
Most medical aids allocate some funding towards psychological services. In general however, these funds are very limited. In some instances medical aid requires reports detailing a prognosis, treatment plan and approximately how many sessions will be needed. This might infringe on the client's confidentiality and your right to privacy, and should be discussed at the initial session. I will issue you with an invoice for your records, following each session.
Are my sessions confidential?
Yes! Confidentiality is a core element of the therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client. In order for us to work effectively you need to be able to trust that whatever is discussed in the office, stays there.
What are your fees and accepted payment methods?
My fees are affordable and well within medical aid rates. A session is 60 minutes in duration. The first session might require a few extra minutes to allow for as much detail to be given as possible. There is no extra charge for this. Fees are payable at the time of the session. If you need to cancel a booked appointment, it should be cancelled 24 hours beforehand.
What are your consulting hours?
Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 5.30pm, and some Saturdays, by appointment.
Do you offer in-person counselling?
Since the 2020 pandemic, I only offer remote online counselling services using either Zoom or Whatsapp.