FAQ'S
Information You Need
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
If I am unable to answer, there is a voicemail facility. When leaving a message, It helps to include your name, contact number and a convenient time to get back to you. All messages are responded to the same day wherever possible.
Contact Form:
Fill in the contact form to send an enquiry. Please include a suitable time for me to contact you.
Email:
Send email enquires to jameslcounselling@gmail.com
HOW MUCH IS A SESSION?
The cost is €70 per 1-hour therapy session (50 minutes for adolescents). Payments can be made via electronic link before the session.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
It can be difficult to predict as each person, their needs and circumstances are unique. Some people feel enough benefit from just a few sessions while others may continue with counselling for several months or more. Much of this will depend on what you wish to achieve and how motivated you are to engage with the process. In general, I suggest people attend a few sessions to decide if counselling is the right option for them and continue counselling as long as it is beneficial.
You remain in charge of your therapy, there is no minimum commitment and you may discontinue at any time.
To get a clearer idea of how much counselling you may need, contact me for a free initial assesment.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED THERAPY?
There is no definitive answer to this and it will be up to you. As a guide, I suggest that when starting, you commit to one appointment a week if possible. This helps build momentum in the treatment and maintains regular support while you develop the changes that therapy encourages. As symptoms resolve and you begin to achieve the benefits you want, appointments can be spaced further and further apart until you are ready to conclude therapy.
IS THERAPY SAFE?
When counselling is provided by a qualified professional there should be no safety concerns for you. My practice is conducted in line with ethical principles and guidance as determined by the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP), This is a recognised governing body that regulates its members to provide ethical, effective and safe counselling treatment. You can find out more about the IACP here.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?
Diploma; Intigritive Adolescent Psychotherapy. Greenane Centre, Tipperary.
BSc Hons Degree; Counselling & Psychotherapy, University of Middlesex (NFQ 8)
Diploma Counselling & Psychotherapy, PCI College (NFQ 7)
SCAIDP; Specialist Child Abuse Investigation Development Program. Surrey Police
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
The intended effects of counselling are to improve your mental well-being and ability to cope with the difficulties of life. However, counselling can at times be challenging and emotionally uncomfortable. Learning and discovering aspects of yourself, your behaviours or the impact of events in your past may trigger some unexpected feelings. Changes in your attitudes, perceptions or behaviours from counselling may provoke some unexpected reactions from other people.
These situations are a normal part of the process. I remain present throughout your counselling treatment to support with such situations, should they arise.
DO YOU WORK WITH COUPLES?
I work with people to improve their interpersonal relationships; however, I do not currently provide couples counselling. If you feel you and your partner/partners would benefit from relationship counselling, you can still get in touch as I may be able to refer you to a suitable therapist.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS?
Yes, I offer therapy services for young people over the age of 13. Consent from a parent or guardian is required. For more information on this service, get in touch here.
ARE MY ISSUES TOO TRIVIAL FOR THERAPY?
It is best to avoid judging our own experiences like this. The question you might ask yourself is, ‘Am I suffering with this situation or these feelings?’. No one needs to suffer with their mental well-being. Let me assure you, there is no issue too small! If any events, thoughts, feelings, or behaviours negatively impact your life, counselling could help you. We often find ourselves minimising our distress by comparing it with others. Suffering is subjective and unique to you, there little benefit trivialising or believing your own situation is insignificant.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THERAPY?
You will be encouraged to feedback on your experience as you go. If there is any aspect of counselling that is causing you dissatisfaction, we can discuss it together to identify the problem and see how it might be resolved. Counselling can be useful for everyone, but sometimes we are not ready to go where counselling takes us or the counsellor/therapy approach may not be the best fit for you. You always remain in control of your treatment and free to make your own choices. If you believe counselling is not beneficial to continue, you can stop at any time.
WHAT CAN THERAPY HELP WITH?
There are many feelings and circumstances counselling can support:
Depression
Low mood
Anxiety
Stress
Loss and bereavement
Life changes
Dealing with a chronic or terminal illness
Insomnia
Relationships
Family issues
Self-esteem/confidence
Body image
Gender, sexuality or relationship diverse (affirmative)
Infertility
Addictions
Phobias
Motivation
Communication
Problem or compulsive behaviours
This list is just a few areas that can be helped with, however, each person is unique. Contact me to discuss your needs and discover how my services can benefit you.
DO YOU HAVE ANY AREA OF SPECIALTY?
I work with most adults/teenagers in a variety of situations; however, I have a special interest and particular experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly trans people or those who are gender or relationship diverse. I practice therapy in an affirmative way where such aspects of a person are not treated as a problem or illness. Rather, the unique challenges individuals may face personally or in society just being their true selves are likely to be the issues that need support. I recommend contacting me directly to discuss your situation and how I might help you with your individual circumstances.