Counselling / Psychotherapy
What Counselling Is
Counselling aims to provide the opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more resourcefully and confidently, giving you a greater sense of well-being. It will give you space to work through difficult issues you may be experiencing. Sharing difficulties with someone in a non-judgmental, confidential environment will enable you to make sense of things, resulting in positive changes, new perspectives and personal growth. You may also be drawn to counselling because you want to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Sally Crittall, our Counsellor / Psychotherapist, writes: “My role is one of honest companionship, to stick with you through thick and thin, without judgement, in complete trust and confidence. It is not a role which involves giving advice like family and friends might do. I believe in and respect each person’s individuality. I have never given up on anyone who truly desired to make changes. I am alongside you to draw out, and work with your potential."
I offer an Integrative approach to counselling, which means that I draw upon different models to best serve the needs of each individual client.
Counselling can equip you with better life skills and you will have the opportunity to gain a better/deeper understanding of how some of your thinking and/or behaviours may have developed.
How Counselling Works
Sessions are usually held weekly for one hour, in my consulting room, though it is sometimes possible to offer counselling over the telephone or by Zoom - please feel free to ask about those alternatives if you think you would prefer either. During the first session we will discuss your expectations, what you hope to achieve and what I can offer you. It is also important to establish that we are a good fit to work together. The number of sessions needed varies from person to person and this would be discussed during the initial session. Reviews are built in to look at the progress that has been made.
Many issues come into the counselling room:
- Stress, Anxiety and Depression
These are often not problems to be taken lightly. If they are not properly attended to, they can produce a damaging effect at home and at work. They can push life into unhelpful places, cause loss of direction and purpose, and lead to co-dependency, addictions and relationship problems. - Addiction / Alcoholism
Feeling that you need to look at issues around your consumption of alcohol does not mean you are an alcoholic. Addiction is the result of a process, and a lot is known now about the neuroscience behind the changes which can ultimately happen in the brain. Whether you just want reassurance that your consumption is acceptable, are concerned about bingeing, or are finding that you need to drink to feel “normal”, counselling can help you put things straight. This is one of our specialist areas. - Online Sex / Pornography
Using online sex sites is an activity an increasing number of people find themselves drawn into. They may feel ashamed about it, but find it hard to stop; it may start having a damaging effect on their relationships; it can even lead to criminality. This is another chain counselling can help you break. - Complex Trauma, CPTSD, Childhood Abuse
Complex Trauma is defined as 'repeated, negative, childhood experiences throughout developmental years'. These experiences create survival strategies for the child that worked at the time, but become maladaptive in adulthood, causing many difficulties in intimate relationships. For many the word 'abuse' doesn't fit their experiences, it seems a strong word. Yet lack of parental/caregiver attumement, being emotionally absent, suffering with anxiety and depression are also situations in which a child fails to thrive. Attachment is formed by 2 years old and the attachment style is fixed for a lifetime unless it is altered through therapy. Insecure attachment can lead to chronic shame, self-loathing, eating disorders, addictions, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and the fear of rejection and abandonment, to name just a few. I hold a current certification for complex Trauma and have sufficient training in EMDR to work in this area. - Transgender / Gender Dysphoria
For many trans people difficulty finding acceptance, love and respect are undeniably forces that propel them into therapy. It is my aim at all times to provide a non-judgemental, safe and professional environment in which to start or continue your journey to the True Self. I have included below @10 from one of my clients which I feel represents our work together. - Bullying
Traditionally this was largely carried out face-to-face, through words and actions. Now electronic communications have given abusers far greater scope, which, because of their physical absence, makes it feel more difficult to respond to. Strategies for coping, however, can be developed. - Negative effects of events such as bereavement, redundancy, broken relationships, retirement or other loss
A whole variety of things provide the foundations on which we build our lives. If any of them collapses, or is taken away, we can feel lost, and help in restoring the familiar foundations or establishing new ones can be very important if we want to take our life forward effectively.
What to do now
The first step is to get in touch in order to establish whether counselling is the right route for you and will suit your needs. It is of utmost importance that you feel comfortable and able to trust our collaborative relationship. I offer a free initial 20-minute telephone consultation so that you can ask any questions.
Should we decide to work together, we will normally contract for 6–8 sessions which will be held on a weekly basis. We will review your progress at session 5 so that you can decide whether a conclusion is in sight, or whether you will want to continue further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling / psychotherapy?
It is a therapeutic relationship between two people where personal issues can be explored in a non-judgmental, confidential and very supportive environment. It is not about giving advice or telling people what to do.
Is counselling right for me?
Counselling is aimed at anyone who wants to understand their past and present difficulties better including their childhood, and deal with current stressful situations.
How long does it take?
“I undertake both short- and long-term counselling, and will work with you for as long as we feel is necessary; if it seems that a longer course is needed, we will summarise progress at regular intervals.”
What will it cost?
The standard fee for an individual adult is £50 for a one-hour session, though in certain circumstances this can be negotiated – please feel free to raise this in your first call to us.
What if counselling is not for me?
The relationship between you and your counsellor is of paramount importance. Sessions can at times be very challenging and unsettling and you need to feel confident in trusting the counsellor to keep you safe.
It requires honesty and commitment on your part. Should you wish to discontinue at any time this is entirely your decision; however, due to the nature of this work we would encourage you to have some form of final contact, either through a final session or brief telephone conversation. You will not be judged if you wish to discontinue, but it is important to have some form of closure as loose ends are very unhealthy for both parties.
Contact Confidentiality
On Track Life Skills respects every individual's right to autonomy and confidentiality. We offer an initial free 20-minute telephone consultation, during which no written notes are taken without consent and all callers can remain anonymous.
For a free, confidential 20-minute phone call, please dial 07792-509657