Many professional mental health practitioners provide excellent support to their clients; however, counselling psychologists have a more extensive level of academic study, research, training and practice. Counselling and psychology professionals offer talking therapies, and both use counselling skills. The main difference between these mental health professionals is the level of education, depth of knowledge and supervised practice.
Clinical and counselling psychologists utilise psychological research, scientifically proven theory, and evidence-based practice in their therapeutic work and have greater expertise and depth of psychological understanding underpinning their practice. Sessions with a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist will involve an in-depth assessment of life events and the problems that have brought an individual to therapy. Then, a formulation of the problems will be developed (which is a shared understanding of the problems, including contributing factors, patterns and unhelpful cycles in which people often find themselves stuck). During sessions, individuals will develop and learn the skills necessary to work towards their goals.
Clinical/Counselling Psychologist is a protected title, meaning that anyone practising must hold a doctorate, be registered with the Health and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and adhere to the Ethical and Clinical Professional Codes of Practice set by the British Psychological Society and HCPC.
At times, life's challenges can leave you feeling down or unhappy. Everyone experiences different phases and learns to adapt and grow. Choosing to seek therapy is a significant decision that involves sharing personal matters, which can feel daunting. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness, and many people have taken this important step. Reaching out for professional support demonstrates courage and a willingness to face your challenges and create positive change. If you are still unsure, consider asking yourself these questions:
If your answer to these questions is "Yes," it may indicate that therapy can help you.
Please note that I work only with adults (18+).
Making your first appointment can be anxiety-provoking, particularly if you have never been in therapy before and do not know what to expect. You do not need a referral from a GP or other health professionals. You can make an appointment by phone 07762210876 or by emailing elena@dorsetpsychology.com.
The initial session is for 60 minutes, and any further agreed sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held once a week.
An initial meeting can allow you to explain what brought you to therapy. During the assessment session, we can clarify the issues you want support with and how I can support you in achieving them. Importantly, it enables you to assess whether my approach is sufficient to address your needs. The session can allow time to ask questions if you need help finding more information that isn't on my website. If you decide to start therapy, we will agree on a mutually convenient time, and I will reserve a suitable appointment.
I can ask some questions that will help you express yourself fully. I may expand our discussion into areas that could help you achieve your goals. Sometimes I may tentatively make one or two suggestions about how your words might be connected. I might invite you to reflect on your experience. I may comment on my experience of how we relate to each other, aiming to highlight some relational aspects of communication.
I am not there to tell you what to do, and I do not prescribe medications as psychiatrists do as part of their profession.
Psychological counselling does not give advice, impose values, or tell you how to live your life. It does not claim to be the cure for every difficulty. However, it offers a confidential space to explore your concerns, which may help you make sense of some complex issues and find a way forward.
The amount of time spent in therapy depends on several factors, the most important being the nature of the difficulties experienced by each individual and their specific needs. Depending on the severity of the problem and the type of therapy selected mutually, treatment can require a few sessions or a more extended period. Usually, short-term counselling (6-12 sessions) is often sufficient to gain relief, while long-term psychotherapy is better suited for more complex problems and/or deeper personality issues.
However, everyone is different, and some people need more time than others. Sessions can be timed flexibly to suit your particular needs, for example, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or occasionally.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me for the current fees. I accept cash, bank transfer, and checks, and payments must be settled at the beginning or end of the session.
At least 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel a session. This can be done by email or phone. However, please note that cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur the full session fee. If you need to reschedule an appointment, I will do my best to accommodate your request.
Calls are accepted between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, and you are welcome to leave a voicemail. You can email anytime; however, mail responses will mainly be sent during the above hours.
I may be unable to answer the call immediately, and I will return to you as soon as possible. Telephone conversations longer than 15 minutes will be charged.
Contact between sessions is best kept for booking or rearranging appointments, and for brief queries or clarifications. More detailed concerns should be brought up, preferably during a face-to-face appointment. This could be discussed during the initial meeting, and mutual agreement would be sought.
There might be circumstances in which you or I might decide to discontinue treatment. Please let me know if you want to stop having sessions beforehand; feedback on what has not been satisfying can benefit both of us. I might reach such a decision if my supervisor and I agree that I cannot offer you an approach that is most suitable for you. I may suggest you contact another professional who could better address your concerns on such rare occasions.
(Phone: 07762210876) - (Email: elena@dorsetpsychology.com) - (Address: 37 Roman Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 9DG)
