Question 1

Can counselling help me?

Accepted Answer

It can be really helpful to talk about your problems with a trained professional. Talking to somebody who is impartial, who doesn't judge you, and who cares and listens to how you see and experience the world can lead to important changes.   It can help you to feel less alone, knowing that there is somebody walking beside you on your journey. Having the time and space to explore your thoughts and feelings can help you to understand yourself more clearly. It can help to release difficult feelings.   Counselling can help you to see things in a new light, from a different perspective. You may identify things about you, or about your life, that you want to change, and counselling can help you to make and support you through those changes. It can help you to find a way forward that is right for you.

Question 2

What will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Counselling sessions with me, whether at my office in Bromsgrove, online, or on the telephone, last for 50 minutes and cost £50. Some people find that they prefer longer sessions, and we can organise these if this is the case. They will be charged accordingly: £75 for 90 minutes, and £100 for 2 hours.   You can pay on the day via card or cash for your face to face session.  For online or telephone sessions, payment is required 24 hours in advance of your session. An invoice will be sent to you which contains a secure payment link. This enables you to pay for your session via credit or debit card.

Question 3

How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to predict how many sessions you will need, although we will discuss this at the first session. I normally suggest reviewing our work together after six sessions, and then after a further 6 sessions if needed, and so on.   It is important to remember that you are in control, and you can end counselling at any time.   I appreciate that many clients may be on a budget, and that this may limit the number or frequency of sessions.

Question 4

Are my counselling sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes they are confidential, unless I have a serious reason to believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or to another, or in certain circumstances governed by law.   We will discuss confidentiality in greater detail during the first session, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you want to.

Question 5

Where are you based? Is it accessible?

Accepted Answer

My offices are on the second floor of 42B Worcester Road, in Bromsgrove town centre. It is a very warm, friendly and safe environment. There is a small waiting area, and toilet facilities available for you to use.   Please be aware that, being on the second floor, there are stairs to climb to reach my offices. These are fairly steep and narrow in parts.   If you have mobility issues, and would find it difficult to get to my office, online and telephone counselling sessions are available

Question 6

How do I get to your office, and where do I park?"

Accepted Answer

If you are coming by car, the postcode is B61 7AE. There are plenty of places to park nearby, the nearest being a pay and display car park at Waitrose, just around the corner. Alternatively, there is a further pay and display car park at ASDA, a 5 minute walk away.   There is free parking available at Sanders Park, a 5 minute walk away, although please be aware that this car park closes at dusk. There is also often parking available on Kidderminster Road.   The nearest bus stop is St John Street - Market Hall, serviced by No, 42, 43, 93, 97, 98, 99, 144, 144A, 322.

Question 7

I want to come for postnatal depression, but I haven't got any childcare."

Accepted Answer

Many counsellors feel it's best if you can leave your baby with someone to enable you to concentrate on the session, and to express what feelings you need to.   I'm a mum, and I'm well aware that sometimes there really aren't any options for childcare, or you're breastfeeding round the clock, you just don't want to leave your baby with someone else, or they scream non-stop whenever you even try to put them down.   If this is the case, please talk to me. We can arrange for you to bring your baby with you to your session. Whilst they may inevitably need feeding/a cuddle during the session, or be a little bit distracting in that way babies are, it's far better than you being unable to access any support because you don't have childcare.   Your baby and the relationship between you and your baby is important too, and having them there may help us to explore that, and so actually be beneficial.   If you're finding it difficult to leave the house (and I know what that's like too), then don't forget I also offer home visits.

Counselling & Psychotherapy

Mary Lim

(MNCS Accred, Reg. MBACP)