More information on counselling
If you can’t see the answer to your question here or need more information, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.
Are you offering face to face sessions during the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic?
Yes I am - at Norwich Wellbeing Centre, but only if you feel unable to cope and face to face counselling would be most suitable or safer for you, otherwise the preference during the pandemic is using online or telephone counselling methods. I am staying up to date with Government guidelines and advice from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) on how to stay safe. All clients must complete a COVID-19 Agreement which explains the actions I am taking and what I require from you. I've also completed a risk assessment and undertaken COVID-19 training provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The rooms are large enough to ensure chairs are two metres apart and surfaces are wiped between clients. Face coverings must be worn within the public areas of the building, however it is your choice to whether you wear a mask or visor in the counselling room. I wear a visor and where possible have the windows open. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
What is a free initial session or consultation?
I offer a free initial session so we have an opportunity to see what it would be like for us to work together, discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and what I can offer. The initial session is undertaken by telephone and there is no obligation to continue if you feel it is not right for you. The session usually lasts around 20 minutes and you need to contact me to book an appointment. At the end of the initial session, we will discuss how you wish to proceed and if you would like to book your first counselling appointment.
When are you available?
I offer counselling during weekdays and one evening a week. Please contact me to find out my current availability, which changes week by week.
Do you offer any discounts?
If you feel you are unable to afford my fees, please contact me to discuss. If travel costs of getting to appointments are a problem for you on top of the counselling fee, I am able to provide counselling by telephone and cover all call costs (to a standard rate UK landline number or mobile), or I offer online counselling. Instead of offering counselling discounts, every month I plant trees to help halt climate change and offset my carbon emissions. Check out how many trees I've planted so far here: Ecologi Chloe Swinton.
I’ve not had counselling before – how does it work?
Over the first few sessions, we build trust and a strong therapeutic relationship to enable us to work well together. I will listen intently as you explain what is going on for you and what life is like for you. Each session is guided by you, as I gently explore your situation and feelings. You are in control at all times of how much and what you say, however being as honest as possible in the counselling sessions will help you greatly in working with what you wish to change through counselling. The process of counselling is explained on the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website – What is Therapy. I am happy to discuss the process in more detail with you, which may help allay any fears you may have in undertaking therapy, which I understand can be a daunting thought. One of my previous clients talks about their experience of what to expect:
Are you offering face to face sessions during the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic?
Yes I am - at Norwich Wellbeing Centre, but only if you feel unable to cope and face to face counselling would be most suitable or safer for you, otherwise the preference during the pandemic is using online or telephone counselling methods. I am staying up to date with Government guidelines and advice from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) on how to stay safe. All clients must complete a COVID-19 Agreement which explains the actions I am taking and what I require from you. I've also completed a risk assessment and undertaken COVID-19 training provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The rooms are large enough to ensure chairs are two metres apart and surfaces are wiped between clients. Face coverings must be worn within the public areas of the building, however it is your choice to whether you wear a mask or visor in the counselling room. I wear a visor and where possible have the windows open. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
What is a free initial session or consultation?
I offer a free initial session so we have an opportunity to see what it would be like for us to work together, discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and what I can offer. The initial session is undertaken by telephone and there is no obligation to continue if you feel it is not right for you. The session usually lasts around 20 minutes and you need to contact me to book an appointment. At the end of the initial session, we will discuss how you wish to proceed and if you would like to book your first counselling appointment.
When are you available?
I offer counselling during weekdays and one evening a week. Please contact me to find out my current availability, which changes week by week.
Do you offer any discounts?
If you feel you are unable to afford my fees, please contact me to discuss. If travel costs of getting to appointments are a problem for you on top of the counselling fee, I am able to provide counselling by telephone and cover all call costs (to a standard rate UK landline number or mobile), or I offer online counselling. Instead of offering counselling discounts, every month I plant trees to help halt climate change and offset my carbon emissions. Check out how many trees I've planted so far here: Ecologi Chloe Swinton.
I’ve not had counselling before – how does it work?
Over the first few sessions, we build trust and a strong therapeutic relationship to enable us to work well together. I will listen intently as you explain what is going on for you and what life is like for you. Each session is guided by you, as I gently explore your situation and feelings. You are in control at all times of how much and what you say, however being as honest as possible in the counselling sessions will help you greatly in working with what you wish to change through counselling. The process of counselling is explained on the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website – What is Therapy. I am happy to discuss the process in more detail with you, which may help allay any fears you may have in undertaking therapy, which I understand can be a daunting thought. One of my previous clients talks about their experience of what to expect:
I think the most important aspect of counselling is to be honest with ourselves, say it loud, all feelings and experience we are going through, take a breath, look around and feel safe, because nobody judges us. There's only one very calm and composed person sitting opposite to you, trying to understand your very own way of thinking and dealing with the situation you are in. That person is your counsellor. He/she won't give you a recipe for a better life, however, he/she will show you there're may be other ways how to deal with the situation, he/she will show you that there's always another choice to consider. It's only up to us to decide what we will do next...
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Once counselling starts (after the initial session), I require 48 hours notice for cancellations or the full fee will be charged. This is because I hold the space open for you and do not take any other bookings at that time. We may be able to reschedule the session, depending on availability. I do not charge you for any of my cancellations, which are a rare occurrence.
Why have a one-off counselling session?
You may prefer to have a one-off session if you have something on your mind and would like to talk to someone confidentially and objectively about it. It may be that you have a nerve-racking presentation to make or you are worried about an upcoming exam or meeting. Perhaps you are feeling particularly stressed, anxious or angry about something. Sometimes one session is all you need to gain clarity and perspective on a situation and be able to move forwards. It can be very helpful to release your emotions and get something off your chest. One-off sessions are 90 minutes long, usually by telephone or online. There is no requirement for an initial session, so contact me to book an appointment or to ask any questions. If after this session you decide you would like to continue with further counselling sessions, we can discuss this possibility.
How does telephone or online counselling work?
I offer telephone and online counselling from the comfort of your own surroundings. This may be desirable if you work shifts or travel frequently and can’t be in the same place every week; are housebound or disabled; a carer or have other responsibilities which you are unable to leave. Whilst telephone and online counselling offers the same level of support and confidentiality as face-to-face counselling, it gives you a higher level of privacy if this is what you’d prefer. I initiate the session online or by phone (to a standard rate UK landline number or mobile), on the day and time we agree. You will not be charged any call costs and online platforms are free to use. As long as you have a quiet location without any distractions, you can have your counselling sessions anywhere (within the UK), including your place of work if that suits you. Find out more about the benefits of telephone counselling or how online counselling works, or contact me to book an appointment.
Who do you provide counselling to?
I work with a wide range of issues and experiences, with people of all ages and from all walks of life. My areas of interest in counselling adults includes addiction, ambiguous loss, anger, anxiety, bereavement, depression, domestic abuse, eco-anxiety, eco-grief, control, identity, loss, self-esteem, mental health, missing people, problems at work and unemployment, relationships, retirement, self harm and stress. I only offer one to one counselling and do not provide family therapy, or couple/marriage counselling; Relate may be able to help if this is what you are after.
How do you work holistically?
I have completed training in numerous areas of interest to me, as our mental wellbeing is impacted by a number of factors, such as diet, lifestyle and sleep. Depending on how we work together, I may also offer coaching exercises, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or creative activities for example, and as desired, during counselling sessions (at no extra cost). Although I hold a practitioner certificate in Hypnotherapy, I do not practice as a Hypnotherapist as such.
What do you mean by a ‘professional’ Counsellor?
I have undertaken two years of intensive study to become a qualified Counsellor, and additionally complete a minimum of 30 hours of development training each year. Being qualified is not currently a requirement in the UK, which means anyone can say they are a Counsellor. As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I am bound by their Code of Ethics. I also follow the BACP Guidelines for Telephone Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and hold a current DBS Enhanced Certificate. I undertake monthly clinical supervision and I am committed to further professional development as a Counsellor. I have a Certificate of Proficiency from the BACP and I am listed on their Accredited Register which is approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
What do you mean by ‘confidential’?
Information disclosed by you is not shared with anyone else. However, in exceptional circumstances I may make contact with appropriate external agencies should I believe either you or someone else is in substantial danger or at risk of serious harm. This would be with your permission where possible. I may also be required by law to provide details in certain situations. I clarify confidentiality further in my Counselling Agreement which you would usually see before the first counselling session. I'm of course happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have around confidentiality, as my aim is for you to be as safe as possible whilst receiving counselling from me.
How do you keep and manage personal data?
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) and my Privacy Policy describes how I work with personal details.
What is 'ambiguous loss'?
This is any loss which is uncertain, whether the person is physically absent but psychologically present such as when someone is missing, with immigration or divorce; or being psychologically absent but physically present, for example with mental illness, dementia or addiction. In these situations there is no certainty that the person will return to who or where they used to be. Ambiguous loss is described as the most stressful kind of loss; without a chance to say goodbye. Find out more about this type of counselling I provide, by contacting me.
What is a Domestic Abuse Champion?
Domestic Abuse Champions undergo two full days of training in Norfolk, as part of a Norfolk County Council initiative. The training includes an awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and ‘honour’ based abuse, but also recognising risk and the dynamics of domestic abuse.
What does a Dementia Friend mean?
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends have an understanding of how dementia affects people and what it is like to live with the condition. The initiative was created so that everyone affected by dementia feels 'part of, not apart from, society'.
What does a Time to Change Champion do?
As a Time to Change Champion, I help change the way people think and act about mental ill health, by having open conversations and aiming to reduce stigma. Time to Change is a group led by mental health charity's Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. I also organise therapeutic events to get people talking on the yearly Time to Talk Day in February.
Have you got an example of how you work with clients?
Whilst everyone comes to counselling for different reasons and I work uniquely to suit individual needs, have a read of these two case studies which illustrate how I work with clients.
Once counselling starts (after the initial session), I require 48 hours notice for cancellations or the full fee will be charged. This is because I hold the space open for you and do not take any other bookings at that time. We may be able to reschedule the session, depending on availability. I do not charge you for any of my cancellations, which are a rare occurrence.
Why have a one-off counselling session?
You may prefer to have a one-off session if you have something on your mind and would like to talk to someone confidentially and objectively about it. It may be that you have a nerve-racking presentation to make or you are worried about an upcoming exam or meeting. Perhaps you are feeling particularly stressed, anxious or angry about something. Sometimes one session is all you need to gain clarity and perspective on a situation and be able to move forwards. It can be very helpful to release your emotions and get something off your chest. One-off sessions are 90 minutes long, usually by telephone or online. There is no requirement for an initial session, so contact me to book an appointment or to ask any questions. If after this session you decide you would like to continue with further counselling sessions, we can discuss this possibility.
How does telephone or online counselling work?
I offer telephone and online counselling from the comfort of your own surroundings. This may be desirable if you work shifts or travel frequently and can’t be in the same place every week; are housebound or disabled; a carer or have other responsibilities which you are unable to leave. Whilst telephone and online counselling offers the same level of support and confidentiality as face-to-face counselling, it gives you a higher level of privacy if this is what you’d prefer. I initiate the session online or by phone (to a standard rate UK landline number or mobile), on the day and time we agree. You will not be charged any call costs and online platforms are free to use. As long as you have a quiet location without any distractions, you can have your counselling sessions anywhere (within the UK), including your place of work if that suits you. Find out more about the benefits of telephone counselling or how online counselling works, or contact me to book an appointment.
Who do you provide counselling to?
I work with a wide range of issues and experiences, with people of all ages and from all walks of life. My areas of interest in counselling adults includes addiction, ambiguous loss, anger, anxiety, bereavement, depression, domestic abuse, eco-anxiety, eco-grief, control, identity, loss, self-esteem, mental health, missing people, problems at work and unemployment, relationships, retirement, self harm and stress. I only offer one to one counselling and do not provide family therapy, or couple/marriage counselling; Relate may be able to help if this is what you are after.
How do you work holistically?
I have completed training in numerous areas of interest to me, as our mental wellbeing is impacted by a number of factors, such as diet, lifestyle and sleep. Depending on how we work together, I may also offer coaching exercises, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or creative activities for example, and as desired, during counselling sessions (at no extra cost). Although I hold a practitioner certificate in Hypnotherapy, I do not practice as a Hypnotherapist as such.
What do you mean by a ‘professional’ Counsellor?
I have undertaken two years of intensive study to become a qualified Counsellor, and additionally complete a minimum of 30 hours of development training each year. Being qualified is not currently a requirement in the UK, which means anyone can say they are a Counsellor. As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I am bound by their Code of Ethics. I also follow the BACP Guidelines for Telephone Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and hold a current DBS Enhanced Certificate. I undertake monthly clinical supervision and I am committed to further professional development as a Counsellor. I have a Certificate of Proficiency from the BACP and I am listed on their Accredited Register which is approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
What do you mean by ‘confidential’?
Information disclosed by you is not shared with anyone else. However, in exceptional circumstances I may make contact with appropriate external agencies should I believe either you or someone else is in substantial danger or at risk of serious harm. This would be with your permission where possible. I may also be required by law to provide details in certain situations. I clarify confidentiality further in my Counselling Agreement which you would usually see before the first counselling session. I'm of course happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have around confidentiality, as my aim is for you to be as safe as possible whilst receiving counselling from me.
How do you keep and manage personal data?
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) and my Privacy Policy describes how I work with personal details.
What is 'ambiguous loss'?
This is any loss which is uncertain, whether the person is physically absent but psychologically present such as when someone is missing, with immigration or divorce; or being psychologically absent but physically present, for example with mental illness, dementia or addiction. In these situations there is no certainty that the person will return to who or where they used to be. Ambiguous loss is described as the most stressful kind of loss; without a chance to say goodbye. Find out more about this type of counselling I provide, by contacting me.
What is a Domestic Abuse Champion?
Domestic Abuse Champions undergo two full days of training in Norfolk, as part of a Norfolk County Council initiative. The training includes an awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and ‘honour’ based abuse, but also recognising risk and the dynamics of domestic abuse.
What does a Dementia Friend mean?
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends have an understanding of how dementia affects people and what it is like to live with the condition. The initiative was created so that everyone affected by dementia feels 'part of, not apart from, society'.
What does a Time to Change Champion do?
As a Time to Change Champion, I help change the way people think and act about mental ill health, by having open conversations and aiming to reduce stigma. Time to Change is a group led by mental health charity's Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. I also organise therapeutic events to get people talking on the yearly Time to Talk Day in February.
Have you got an example of how you work with clients?
Whilst everyone comes to counselling for different reasons and I work uniquely to suit individual needs, have a read of these two case studies which illustrate how I work with clients.
It has really helped having someone listen to me and not judge. Counselling has improved my communication with my wife and I've been able to move back home now. – RB
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