FAQ

Can everyone benefit from Counselling?
Everyone can benefit from Counselling, but not everyone will. It depends on the sincerity and willingness of the person to experience what they themselves are carrying. Not everyone is willing to do this.

The main requirement in order for Counselling to be helpful is an open mind. A closed mind will not allow for the shifts that your life may require. By open mind I simply mean an openness to explore your own feelings. This is the one most important factor to benefit from Counselling. One needs to be willing to challenge oneself.

But please know that it is not about being wrong, or bad, or anything like that, but rather about being willing to explore one’s inner world.

In a few instances, it is better for a person to keep defenses in tact and to seek medical help through your Doctor. If you are unsure about whether Spiritual Counselling is right for you please call me in the first instance.

How does Spiritual Counselling differ from more ‘traditional’ Counselling?
Counsellors and Therapists work in many different ways. For myself, following a deep awakening experience, I chose a spiritual approach to Counselling rather than the more traditional, psychological perspective. A mainly psychological approach focuses largely on how you feel or think about the reasons behind your experiences by trying to improve the way you see them, and as such it can be prone to being mind-based. The psychological approach largely focuses on one’s experiences and the content of these.

Whilst this can be a useful aspect of Counselling, the key focus in a Spiritual Counselling session with me is on gaining awareness of the experiencer and allowing healing at a deep level, regardless of what one might think or believe. In fact this is when healing occurs quickly – when the ‘thinker’ is recognized. It is about seeing for example anger per se, not just anger in respect of an event that occurred in childhood and trying to ‘feel less anger at someone’ for eg. It is about looking at feelings in totality not just feelings around one particular experience. It is a holistic approach that I feel hits the root level where healing needs to occur rather than trying to think your way to healing.

During a session we may focus on speaking about an issue, or we may include hypnotherapy or other healing techniques, but there is no prescriptive way to hold a session, and I am guided by my client, and my own intuition, by universal guidance and by experience.

It goes without saying that any beliefs and views the client may have (eg religious or otherwise) are always respected.

I find that somehow deep healing takes place during sessions, and even where pain has been present for years, there is usually a great lifting of burdens and empowerment that my clients experience.

Is what I share with you totally confidential
Yes, absolutely. It is part of my CMA Code of Conduct. What you share with me is totally confidential and I consider it a privilege that you do so.

I do not reveal personal details about clients that may lead to their identity. I may from time to time discuss cases with a supervising Counsellor or one that I am supervising, or mention the benefits gained by a client to another client for the purpose of encouragement. In such a case only generic statements are revealed, by way of inter-counsellor discussion or as encouragement to another client, but no specific details are revealed, except on occasion the gender, and no information is provided that can be traced back to the individual concerned.

The only times this code of practice may be waived are as follows:

- For any legal reason to which I may be bound
- If I feel that you are in danger of coming to harm or that someone you are in contact with might be harmed. In this case I will need to break confidentiality in order to protect you or the third party. I would do my best to discuss this with you and involve you in the process. In such a case, Counselling may need to be suspended.

I am not sure I can deal with emotional issues easily
It is true that emotional issues are not easy to face. However it is in the act of allowing hitherto ignored emotions to arise in a safe place with a trusted other that transformation can occur. But please do not worry, we will go at a comfortable pace, and you will not be forced into anything you do not wish to discuss.

Please know that no emotion is stronger than you and the thought of releasing them is usually worse than the actual experience of this. We all deep down experience or have experienced emotions such as deep sadness, shame, guilt, despair, anger and fear. Noone is alone in feelings these feelings. The important thing to be aware of is that allowing ourselves to open up to painful feelings without our usual resistance is tremendously healing and clarity then dawns as we look upon circumstances with clear vision and acceptance.

The truth is that our basic, original state is already one of natural happiness, wholeness, full on wisdom and love that is totally untainted by anything from our past or any event that has occurred that we may experience as painful. This unburdened state is not dependent on changing anything about ourselves as such, but rather accepting and forgiving ourselves. The emotional pain we feel simply hides this true self, and releasing painful emotions therefore unveils it.

Which modalities and techniques do you use during a Counselling session?

In a Counselling session I may use any of these ‘techniques’, which will be discussed with you beforehand:

• Hypnotherapy
• EFT / TAT
• Chakra Balancing
• Soul Retrieval
• Past Life Regression
• Meditation
• Holistic Healing
• Spiritual Path Guidance
• Byron Katie’s ‘The Work’
• The Sedona Method

I recommend starting off Counselling with a Soul Plan Reading.

I am a bit worried that hypnotherapy will make me do and say things I’ll later regret. Can you tell me a little about how it works?
Many people have seen stage hypnotists asking people to do silly things for other people’s entertainment on TV etc. But nobody can make you do anything under hypnosis that you would not normally do when not in hypnosis. You will at all times be aware of what is being said and be in control of what you are saying. Sometimes you may be relaxed deeply and your mind may wander, however, unless you do not wish to, you will still respond to the therapist. If you do not want to share something private you are free not to share this – hypnosis is not a truth serum!

Being in hypnosis is like having a day dream, some people cannot tell the difference between the hypnotised and waking states. But rest assured, even if I were to leave the room whilst you were in a hypnotised state (which would never happen anyway) you would soon come back into a waking state, just as you would if you were relaxing in a chair with your eyes closed. During hynotherapy, some people feel relaxed and lethargic, some feel a lightness. But one thing most people feel is a positive shift in behaviour or thinking post-session.

Bear in mind that we all go into naturally induced trances everyday, eg when driving, watching TV, washing up, daydreaming etc.

Hypnotherapy works by bypassing the usual conscious resistance of our analytical mind, and accessing the subconscious mind. By doing this, old limiting beliefs can begin to shift without the conscious mind obstructing what we need for our wellness.

During hypnotherapy I will make suggestions to you, which at one level, can generally be understood by the conscious mind, but which on the subconscious level will convey something much more powerful and appropriate to your needs. If you feel your mind resisting anything I say during hypnosis just allow this resistance to be, ie don’t fight the resistance.

Are you a Certified Spiritual Counsellor?
Yes, I hold a Diploma in Spiritual Counselling which is certified by the Complimentary Medicine Association (CMA).

Are you fully insured?
Yes, I hold Professional Liability Insurance and can therefore work safely with clients either at home or on other premises.

Where are face-to-face sessions held?
I hold face-to-face sessions for men and women from a room in a Therapy Centre in South East London (SE23) and for women from Sydenham, SE26.

Are telephone sessions suitable for everyone?

Telephone Counselling may not be suitable for those with what has been diagnosed as a serious mental illness (or if you are taking medication for such conditions), or for those experiencing suicidal thoughts (it is better to see an expert face-to-face or speak to the Samaritans in the first instance (www.samaritans.org Tel: 08457 90 90 90 if you are in the UK). I prefer Skype counselling to telephone counselling, but undertake telephone counselling where Skype is not possible.

Please also note the following numbers in the UK for if you need mental or physical help:

Mental Health 0845 766 0163
Pregnancy (BPAS) 0845 730 4030
Post Traumatic Stress 0178 856 0800
Victim Support 0845 303 0900
Gamblers Anonymous 0870 050 8880
Domestic Violence 0845 702 3468
Child Bereavement 0845 357 1000
Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555
RSPCA 0870 555 599
Eating Disorders 0845 634 1414
Marriage Guidance 0845 130 4010
Rape Crisis 0115 900 3560
Phobic Society 0870 770 456
Sexual Abuse 0207 916 5466
Careline Counseling 0280 514 1177
Animal Welfare 0990 555 999
Cancer Backup 0808 800 1234
Career Support 0808 808 7777
Lone Parents 0800 018 4318
Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700 700
National Aids Helpline 0800 567 123
Parent Line 0808 800 2222
National Debt Line 0808 808 4000
Drugs Support Helpline 0800 776 600
Missing Persons 0800 700 740

For telephone sessions, do you call me, or do I call you?
Generally-speaking you call me.

Can I have a session at weekends?

On occasions weekend work can be agreed, although weekly weekend sessions may not always be possible.

How many sessions should I have?

The number of sessions depends on several factors. As a general guideline we will begin with a series of 6 sessions, and re-assess as we go along. Usually a few more than 6 are required, but this becomes clear to both myself and the client as healing takes place, and we usually at a place where it is clear that there is not much more to be said. This is a great place to be. The most important thing for lasting healing to take place is to allow whatever time is required for Counselling, and where required 10-20 sessions may be required.

How often should I attend or have sessions?

It is usual to have Counselling once a week at the same time and day of the week if possible.

Can I have ad-hoc sessions?

Better progress is made through a commitment to regular Counselling. That way, you know when your session is and can be more focused this way upon the healing issues. However, if you work unpredictable shift patterns or have exceptional circumstances, a more flexible approach may be adopted. Also, when the end of Counselling approaches, you may wish to taper off gradually rather than stop abruptly. Alternatively you may wish to consider Monthly Email Support.

What if I am already seeing a Counsellor or Therapist?

I will usually require you to gain the permission of the other Counsellor or Therapist to see me, or to terminate the other work. This is because it is usually not beneficial for an individual to be seeing two Therapists simultaneously.

Is my problem too small?

If something is worrying you then it is not too small. Whatever you ‘bring to the table’ will always be respected and never belittled. My aim with sessions is to take whatever it is that is on your mind and intuitively unveil what the core issue is underneath, since often our real issues are hidden.

Couldn’t I just talk to a friend?

Sharing with a friend is an important part of life and relationships. However at times we may not be able to share the depth of thoughts or pain with a friend or family member. Also the frequency of needing to discuss the same issue can be a factor. Thus this is where a Counsellor can make a difference. Seeing a Counsellor is a focused way of transforming problems or confusions you face, with the benefit of his or her experience and skills.

I think I may be going through some kind of Spiritual Crisis or Catharsis.

If you feel you may be going through a spiritual crisis or the ‘dark night of the soul’ then I would recommend you seek some guidance, whether through myself or another.

For example if you are experiencing an extreme level of internal anguish that seems out of proportion with the triggering cause, or which doesn’t ‘fit with the norm.’ If there is a feeling of disorientation, ‘spiritual’ experiences or a sense of things no longer making any sense, then it is best to seek some help. Please don’t suffer alone.

It is very important that if medical help is appropriate, this should be sought.

Is there a notice period to end sessions?

You are free to finish whenever you wish. Notice periods are not necessary but I appreciate an indication of when you feel you would like to end sessions, and this is particularly recommended with longer-term Counselling.

It is also advisable to try to follow through with the agreed number of sessions rather than finishing abruptly. Please feel free to discuss any issues with regard to continuation of sessions.

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychiatry?

Psychiatry treats psychosis and deep mental problems, which includes delusions, voices, uncontrolled behaviour and the inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Treatment often includes prescription drugs.

Counselling addresses specific aspects of a person’s life, or an event, in a time-limited manner. A Counsellor does not prescribe drugs.

Why do we have a Soul Plan?
Most of us had many incarnations. Due to freewill, we have created many different scenarios with others. All karmic situations must eventually be balanced. These can go back eons of time, and can be played out at any time when it is appropriate. Your reason for going through duality is to learn lessons. Thus a Soul Plan is agreed by our Higher Self (Soul) in conjunction with our Guides, Angels and others, so that we may learn whatever lessons we choose in the forthcoming incarnation, as well as utilise talents and achieve goals (again, which we agree on beforehand).

Why Is It Important To Know Your Soul Plan?
A Soul Plan is like a compass for what you yourself (at Soul level) agreed for this life. This is not always obvious to us, although we will sometimes be drawn towards a particular direction, or be repelled by certain directions or situations. However a reading will lay it on the table for you, as it were. It is important to be aligned with our plan for this life as we then have a better chance of fulfilling that for which we came into this life. Not only that a reading clarifies much, and is usually transformative and healing.

How do you accept payment?

Payment for personally-attended sessions is made at the time of the appointment either by cash or cheque. Payment for telephone, Skype or email sessions is made via Paypal via the Hire Mepage.
If you are being funded via your employer to have therapy, monthly invoices can be provided to your employer.

Do you offer concessionary rates?

I only offer reduced rate sessions if you are on very low income – if this is the case then please let me know what you feel is an affordable price for you and we will take it from there.

If you are unable to cover my fees, please note that if you are in the UK, the NHS offers a variety of free Counselling services.

I would like to give a gift of a Soul Contract Reading to someone – is this possible?

Yes, if you wish to purchase a gift for someone, please pay via the Paypal button on the Soul Contract reading page and email me with the name of the person.

Upon payment, please email me with the name of the person you are gifting, so that when they contact me I will know payment has already been made. It is also useful to have some indication of when the reading would be required, and in any event at least one week’s notice of the reading is required.

Gifts are to be used within 24 months of payment.

What is your cancellation policy?

If a session is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice the full fee is payable. Please provide as much notice as possible should you have to cancel a session.

How can I contact you?

To request a session, or for any other questions, there are several ways to contact me:

- Complete the Contact Form on the Contact Page.
- Call me on 07730 586 110 (leave a message if I cannot get to the phone, I will get back to you asap)
- Email me – I can usually get back to you within the day.