IN-PERSON
Counselling
Clients visit the clinic at an appointed date and time in the week and meet with the counsellor in-person. Some clients’ may visit the therapist more than once a week depending on the need of the client, others have regular weekly sessions. All sessions require prior bookings.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM COUNSELLING SESSIONS?
Sessions are safe spaces where you can explore all the things that bother, challenge and frustrate you. You can explore things that make you sad or that give you joy. In a session you can bring to the table anything you carry, you can bring anything that needs empathy, nurturing, resolution and a voice. There is no right place to start, we start wherever you want to start. Know that sessions are not always dark and gloomy. Often times they have music and maybe a cup of tea if you like. There is hardly a session where a client and I don’t share a good laugh. A good session is where you can talk about uncomfortable things with relative ease and in an environment of
safety, support and warmth.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A COUNSELLOR?
You do not need a referral from a GP to see a counsellor. All you need is the desire to be better. It’s as easy as picking up your phone and making an appointment.
How Long are sessions generally?
The session length is determined by the need and emotional capacity of the client. At Yellow Brick most clients come for 120 minute or 90 minute sessions. This time is very valuable because it gives clients the space to delve into creative processes that bring clarity and deep realizations about many things. These processes may take some time to work through and hence the need for slightly longer session times.
How long will I need counselling?
This is difficult question to answer as each individual presents with their own unique history and goals for counselling. Each individual also works at a different pace than the other. In cases of trauma clients are often in therapy for months. Counselling sessions last as long as it takes for you to achieve your goals. This process involves a lot of resource building within clients and then unlearning old behaviour patterns and integrating new ones into their lives. However, more often than not clients feel a significant change from their first session and this continues with each ongoing session.
Am I a weak person if I need counselling?
It is incredibly wise to seek help when you need it because everyone needs help and support at some point in their lives. Being vulnerable and open enough to show deep, hurting, tender, ashamed parts of yourself to another takes great strength and courage. It is admirable and deserving of deep respect and probably one of the beautiful traits that mark strength of character.
“ There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin