FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions Answered
WHAT HAPPENS IN A FIRST SESSION?
In our first session we will talk about what your goals are and discuss a treatment plan best for you that fits into your schedule. We will discuss consent, confidentiality and a payment plan but most importantly this session is to see how we connect and if you feel comfortable working with me.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
My rates can be found on the services and rates page, however if there is financial strain we can discuss payment options.
WHAT IS EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help reprocess trauma, anxiety, grief and help regulate the system. More info can be found here:
WHO CAN USE YOUR COUNSELLING SERVICES?
I can work with anyone over the age of 14 or anyone who is not legally dependant on another.
WHERE ARE YOUR COUNSELLING SERVICES LOCATED?
All my sessions are held online via GoogleMeet while I am located in my confidential home office. Or in my office located in Raamweg 4 2596 HL Den Haag.
WILL MY SESSIONS BE CONFIDENTIAL?
From the very first minute of the first session everything shared in our sessions is held in strict confidence. At no point will any personal information be shared unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or a child/dependant is at risk. We will go over informed consent in the first session to make sure you understand your rights in this process.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling is the process that occurs when a client and counsellor set aside time to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings of the client. The act of helping the client to see things more clearly, possibly from a different view-point. This can enable the client to focus on feelings, experiences or behaviour, with a goal of facilitating positive change. A relationship of trust.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING LIKE?
Counselling is like having an in-depth conversation with someone who is there specifically for you, to hear you and not to judge you, but who can also help you see things differently and empower you to make change within yourself.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO MEET WITH MY COUNSELLOR?
This depends on you and what you want to accomplish. Regular sessions can range from once a month to twice a week depending on the level of crisis or need. We will figure this out in our first session and can change it as we go as well.
WHEN WILL I START TO FEEL BETTER?
For some people they can start seeing changes instantly. They might feel a weight is lifted just from a conversation in one session. Others may not see change for months and that is okay. Each person is on their own route to change and respecting that it is not a race is important.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE COUNSELLORS?
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, there isn’t always a great connection between me and a client, this can happen in the counselling field often. I am happy to help you find the counsellor that best fits you and can recommend you to several others.
WHAT ARE SOME MYTHS ABOUT COUNSELLING?
The counsellor will fix all your problems – This is sadly not true. Counselling is collaborative and will be hard work at times.
Counselling is just talking about your childhood – We do often talk about your childhood, but only in so far as it helps us both understand your present.
Counselling is for the broken and weak – Nothing could be more wrong. Admitting you need some help and taking the time and energy to empower yourself towards change is one of the strongest acts I know of.
DOES COUNSELLING REALLY HELP?
It absolutely can! I believe that you get what you put in with counselling. If you want it to work and do the work, then you will see the change.
CAN YOU PRESCRIBE OR RECOMMEND MEDICATION?
I cannot prescribe you any medication and I do not make any medical recommendations either. If I think that there is a need for medication, I will have that conversation with you and help you find a psychiatrist or doctor that can provide this service.
IS SOMETHING REALLY WRONG WITH ME IF I NEED COUNSELLING?
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU! I emphasize this because it is super important that you know needing someone to talk to is normal and healthy. Nothing has to be extremely wrong for you to want counselling and nothing is wrong with needing help. It shows strength to admit that and do the work.
HOW IS MY PRIVACY PROTECTED?
All digital documents are stored on an encrypted computer and password protected. Skype for Business also meets with the current GDPR confidentiality and security laws.