First steps   

How We Will Work Together

The way I work within my counselling practice begins with your initial contact, which I follow up with a short phone conversation for us to introduce ourselves and for you to tell me a little about why you are looking to attend counselling. 

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, so I aim to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Initial Contact

Our journey begins when you get in touch. Following your enquiry, I will arrange a brief telephone conversation where we can introduce ourselves and discuss what has brought you to counselling. This is an opportunity for you to ask any initial questions and get a sense of how I work.

Assessment Session

The next step is an assessment session, where we can explore in more depth what you hope to gain from counselling and discuss the difficulties or concerns you are currently experiencing.

During this session, we may also look at significant experiences from your life, including your childhood, family relationships, and other important events that may have shaped your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. There will also be plenty of time for you to ask any questions you may have about counselling or the therapeutic process.

Assessment sessions are usually held in person, although online appointments are available for those who prefer them or find attending in person difficult.

Beginning Therapy

For many people, the assessment is the first opportunity they have had to speak openly and honestly in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. While this can sometimes feel challenging, clients often describe a sense of relief in being able to share their experiences freely.

Although it may not feel like therapy has begun at this stage, this process of understanding and being understood is often where meaningful therapeutic work starts.

Deciding to Move Forward

I understand that reaching out for support is not always an easy decision. However, I believe it is important for both client and therapist to take a moment to consider whether we are the right fit for one another.

A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful counselling, and it is essential that we both feel comfortable working together towards your goals.

Ongoing Sessions

If we decide to move forward, we will agree on a regular weekly appointment time. Before our first full session, I will send you some information about our work together, including details of the counselling agreement and practical arrangements.

You will have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns before we begin, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with the process.

From there, your counselling journey can begin in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where we can work together towards greater understanding, growth, and emotional wellbeing.

 

What's on your mind?

How counselling works 

Who is therapy for?

Often people think we need to reach a crisis point before asking for help, but I don’t believe that’s true. If we think about it, how long would we wait before seeking help for a physical injury or illness. Early access and interventions can often reduce long term emotional injury, pain and discomfort, instead promoting faster recovery allowing us to continue living our day to day lives.

Individual counselling

My individual counselling sessions work within a collaborative psychodynamic setting where both client and counsellor work together to develop a pathway towards achieving the aims and goals set out during our initial assessment session.

We begin by looking at how our early years formative experiences shape our behaviour and relationships in our present day world,  and that with greater understanding comes the ability make sense of those experiences and see them in a different way.

For many this is an empowering experience that gives us back the control that we feel we maybe lost somewhere along the way, or even never fully experienced. By addressing underlying traumas we are often able to feel more at ease with ourselves, enabling us to consider alternative solutions and possibilities previously unavailable to us. The first and most powerful concept of counselling is in providing you with a confidential, empathic and non-judgmental environment in which to be listened to,

Significant others

This is also true for another group of people who are often overlooked when it comes to mental health support, those who live with or have a close relationship with someone whose behaviour causes them intense anxiety and distress, such as addiction issues or suicidal impulses. Witnessing a loved one’s distress can be just as traumatising, especially when it seems no one else is able or willing to help.

Richard Curtis Counselling is committed to providing a supportive and understanding environment wherever you are in your life right now.

Life can throw hurdles at us at any stage of our lives so whether you had difficult childhood experiences, struggles in your relationships or are facing an uncertain future as you grow older, I can provide support for you to navigate these challenges in confidence rather than feeling you must face them alone.

 

Types of Counselling Offered

Here at Richard Curtis counselling I look to provide you with the support you need to safely pass over and continue your journey with a new peace of mind.

  • Anxiety

  • Relationship issues

  • Stress

  • Attachment issues

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Grief

  • Unresolved conflicts

  • Divorce

  • Family estrangement

  • Domestic violence

  • Self confidence

  • Loss of purpose and direction

  • Childhood trauma

  • Redundancy

  • Retirement

  • Living with others addictions