Psychotherapy and Counselling
Our counselling and psychotherapy services are offered to anybody wishing to enter into a direct psychotherapeutic relationship, and we are available to clinically treat a wide range of daily issues, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, giving up smoking, improving relationships, changing destructive patterns etc, as well as treating mental health problems. We have compiled a list of common issues/topics/problems listed in the sidebar; this list is by no means exhaustive, and the reason why we are able to work with such a large variety of issues is due to working with the person rather than the presenting problem (relational psychotherapy).
Most seek out counselling when they have encountered a problem in their life that they have not been able to resolve themselves despite their best efforts. Counselling provides a new perspective on those issues, new understandings, and ultimately leads to a change in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Psychotherapy can help those who have had experiences of trauma in their lives, or long term issues around self-esteem, self-confidence, relationships, and self-destructive patterns of behaviour.
Counselling and psychotherapy differences
One of the most common questions we are asked is “what is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?” There are differences between them, however there are also similarities and so the terms and definitions are often not fully understood, for example; there can be some apprehension around the word ‘psychotherapy’ and a familiarity around the word counselling within our current UK culture. We are passionate about informing people of the differences between counselling and psychotherapy, and our aim is for you to make a well informed choice when it comes to sharing yourself with a ‘safe-other’. Despite any differences, we use the terms psychotherapy and counselling interchangeably throughout this website, and although we are primarily clinical psychotherapists, we can offer either approach depending on your needs.
Value and worth
Our psychotherapy and counselling fees reflect the experience level of our counsellors and psychotherapists, their ongoing professional costs, as well as the here-an-now reality of the current financial climate, and Cornwall’s geographical location. Depending on your circumstances we can, and do offer consessionary rates, these are usually discussed and agreed on at your first session. This mutual agreement is based on self-worth and self-value for both you and your therapist, and in most cases any consessionary rates agreed upon will be reviewed every six sessions.
What to expect
Before starting a therapeutic relationship we offer an initial consultation. This is completely free. We think it is important to point out that this initial consultation is not a therapy session, however it will give you an idea on how we might get along together and we will always recommend that you find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. This first meeting will give you the opportunity to tell us about the issues you are experiencing, and to ask questions about the therapy process. We gather some basic information about you and your presenting issues, and we endeavour to provide you with relevant information about us, our approach, and how we work, for you to make an informed choice on whether to book a further appointment.
Each session thereafter is typically for 1 hour on a weekly or fortnightly basis. During our first sessions together, we may gather information about your lifestyle, history, and medical history prior to creating the goals of therapy together. We will usually explain this process at the initial session, and we will only gather such information if you are comfortable doing so.
Our practice has two main therapeutic aims: Firstly, to work at a content level, which will be dealing with the presenting issues and problems that you may bring; and secondly to work at a process level, to understand and change underlying patterns of experience (feelings/thoughts/behaviours) that may be the root cause of any presenting problem(s). This method of working ensures that you are more likely to receive long term positive outcomes that will empower you as a person and reduce the likelihood of you repeatedly returning to therapy in the future; this is the ethos behind Ongoing Support, that being aware of your own process enables you to be empowered and supportive of yourself, no matter what difficulties may arise.
A note about payment…
When you book an appointment we will ask you to pay for this in advance. We do not ask for any block payments, and you will only pay for each session that you book with us. We do not offer refunds.
As already mentioned, the first session is free, however if you do not turn up to this, any further appointments will be chargeable at our normal rates, paid in advance via bank transfer or paypal.
A note about cancellations…
When you book and pay for an appointment you are booking a slot/space for the session either as an individual or within a group (including couples); payment falls due whether you attend your session or not (at Ongoing Support’s discretion).
Sending us an email or a text message is not an appropriate way to cancel your appointment; we cannot guarantee that we will receive it in time. Please contact us directly by telephone.
A note about timekeeping …
If you turn up too early you may bump into another client/s leaving his/her session, and if you turn up late you may miss out on having a full hour, so we recommend that you keep as close to your booked time as possible.
A note about endings…
Having closure is very important to the whole therapeutic process, and often can be missed out, as some individuals find endings difficult. So when you are ready to end your therapy you will be encouraged to book in a final session, this session is for self-reflection, to review any changes you may have made, to celebrate your progress, to reinforce any new decisions, and of course for us both to say goodbye. By having an ending, you will be respecting both yourself and your therapist.
The advance payment of any booked appointment ensures that the space for your ending is open to you, whether you choose to attend or not. We encourage you to use this session to end well, regardless of your reasons for terminating your therapeutic relationship.
Some individuals have closure to their therapy and choose to come in for some ‘top up’ sessions when they feel they need some extra support, this kind of arrangement can be discussed at the ending session, and usually does not interfere with any closures that are made during this time.