General Questions
Your Questions Answered
Can sessions be over video conference?
Video conference is offered as the norm for sessions. This is to manage Covid 19 restrictions, which are constantly changing. It also allows me to work with clients anywhere and offer more flexible appointment times.
What technology do you use?
I generally use Google Meets. This I have found to be a stable platform, with no time limits, and does not require you to download any software. It also works on a range of electronic equipment.
Can sessions be over the phone?
This is possible with prior arrangement. Please contact me before booking. This is generally only used if you do not have internet.
Where are you based?
I live in County Tipperary, in Ireland. I am originally from the UK, but now happily live in the beautiful Irish countryside.
How often are sessions?
This is discussed with you and depends on your needs. Some may find 1 or 2 sessions are appropriate, whereas others may find more is necessary to reach their goals.
Generally I wouldn’t have more than 1 session a week , as this allows you to complete any reflection or ‘homework’ tasks between sessions.
Do you offer out of hours appointments?
Yes. I offer coaching and counselling sessions during the day, early or late, and on a Saturday to accommodate a range of schedules.. If you live in a different time zone to Ireland and don't find an appropriately times session, please contact me and I can work to find an appropriate time with you
Questions about Counselling
Your Questions Answered
What is a counsellor?
Counselling is a safe space that allows you to vocalise thoughts about your life, express how you are really feeling and discuss concerns and worries with someone who will not judge you. A counsellor is a professional who has been trained in achieving this safe place through listening skills, building trust, and maintaining confidentiality
What do I expect in my 1st session?
You will meet me, and we will talk through what you are hoping to get out of the sessions. We can also explore any questions you have about counselling, and what sessions will give you.
It's unlikely all will be resolved in the first session, but we will start gently exploring what has led to you consider counselling.
Why is the first counselling session cheaper?
I believe an important aspect in achieving counselling success is finding someone who is right for you. Every counsellor is an individual, and although they will have consistency in many areas of professional practice, different styles of counselling, and even different personalities of councillors may work better for you. As such I decided to make the first session cheaper, ensuring you are free to see if I am the right counsellor for you, without handing over a lot of money.
It can also allow you to ‘test’ if counselling is something you are ready for now. I want counselling to be accessible to all, so my hope is by making the first session a little cheaper, some barriers can be removed and encourage you to try it.
Do I have to have experienced a serious trauma to attend counselling?
No. Most people tend to turn to professional counselling when they are feeling particularly low and/or have experienced a trauma. Counselling helps in such situations. Counselling though is also beneficial if you are looking to thrive. Living is good, but learning about yourself can help everyone, including those who do not feel they have a clinical mental health issue.
Will counselling diagnose clinical mental health problems?
No. Counselling is a safe space to explore feelings, and counsellors are not trained to diagnose mental health issues. Through counselling you may decide that clinical diagnosis is helpful, and counsellors can support you to find practical ways to achieve this. If you already have a clinical diagnosis that can be explored, but any medical treatment or interventions will not be managed by a counsellor.
Can I have counselling if I am under 18?
Counselling is possible if you are under 18, however counsellors must be a specialist in working with children and young people. I am not such a specialist, so only work with adults.
Are sessions confidential?
Sessions are confidential, and I work within the IACP Code of Ethics and Practice.
There are a number of occasions, however, when I may need to break confidentiality. Such situations include:
If children, or other vulnerable people are in danger and this has not been reported
If you are a danger to yourself or others
Limits of confidentiality also operate within the law. This means that I must report:
Unreported child sex abuse where the abuser is still alive.
Involvement in criminal activity.
Do you keep records of sessions?
I keep brief records of what is discussed each session. This is to aid consistency, and ensure you receive the most out of your sessions.
Such files are kept securely online, and held for seven years. Your have the right to access your own files under the Data Protection Act.
How do I get in touch?
You can go to the  contact page, or email contact@ashburycc.com I work Monday - Saturday and will try to get back to you soon as possible.