Frequently Asked Questions
What do you offer?I offer one-to-one individual counselling to adults and young people, either short or long term. I also offer clinical supervision to practising counsellors and therapists, support workers, and organisations.
How do I start counselling?
We always begin with an initial consultation meeting. At this meeting I will gather some information from you about your personal history, contact details, and medical history where relevant, and I would like to hear something of the issues that you might like to work on. We will also discuss what you would like to get from counselling and how long we might work together if you decide to continue.
How do I make an appointment for an initial consultation?
By phone or email – either is fine. My email address is shelleyholland@hotmail.com, click here to email me now, or you can phone or text me on 07981 713163.
What happens after the initial consultation?
If you decide you would like to have on-going counselling sessions we will agree a time to meet and a brief contract about our working together. We will meet at the same time each week. Each session lasts for 50 minutes.
How long do people stay in counselling?
There is no one answer to this question! It varies enormously, and largely depends on how much work you feel you can do right now on the issues that you want to bring to counselling. The length of time you might want to spend attending counselling sessions does not necessarily reflect on the degree of difficulty you are experiencing. This means that ‘big problems’ do not have to take a ‘long time’, and likewise that ‘small problems’ do not have to take ‘just a few sessions’. It’s an individual thing. For some people short-term work lasting a few months is plenty, while others will gain great benefit from working for much longer periods. We can discuss this at our initial consultation, at and regular points throughout the counselling work if necessary.
What does confidentiality mean?
Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the counselling and psychotherapy profession. It means that whatever we discuss in our sessions together will not be shared with third parties unless you specifically request it. There are a few exceptions, for example, if I were to have grave concerns for your well-being or that of someone else I may suggest that we agree to contact a third party, such as your GP. If you have any concerns about confidentiality or would like a fuller explanation of my policy on this issue then please do contact me or alternatively this can be discussed at our consultation meeting.
How much does it cost?
Individual Counselling: Initial consultation meetings are £40. On-going sessions are between £35 and £45. Student rates are available to trainees on recognised Diploma courses. Please email for further information.
Clinical Supervision (for counsellors, therapists, support workers, organisations): One-to-one clinical supervision sessions are between £40 and £45 per 50 minute session. Please email me for further information and prices for 'double' sessions or group sessions.
To contact me you can email me at shelleyholland@hotmail.com or call me on 07981 713163