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What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other to see how we can work together. There is a little bit of paperwork at the start. Just getting your personal details and going though confidentiality etc. We will then discuss your needs and your goals . We will also go through how I work, so that you can get to know me a little bit more, and then you can decide whether you would like to work with me and to book further sessions. Once we start the counselling sessions, I will encourage you to talk about your emotions and feelings while I listen and support you with no criticism or judgement. By spending time with a counsellor in this way, you will gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, which leads to identifying deeper solutions to your problems without receiving advice or being told what to do.
How many sessions will I need?
The amount of sessions varies from person to person, and on the issues that you bring. However, for any meaningful therapy work to be done, I recommend a minimum of 6 sessions. There is no maximum amount of sessions. Therapy is deemed to be complete when both the therapist and the client feels empowered enough to go it alone.
What issues can counseling help with?
Talking to a counsellor/psychotherapist can help with many different problems, and everyone is different.
Just some of the wide-ranging problems that we help our clients with include:
- General anxiety problems, panic attacks, social anxiety, OCD
- Relationship issues including breakups, friendships, family members, separation, divorce, emotional, verbal and physical abuse, intimacy issues
- Depression – including low mood, self-harm, suicidal thoughts.
Suicide Intervention – Using the Cams-Care model - Bereavement / loss / grief including the loss of a pet
- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- Work place issues – stress, work/life balance issues
- Gender issues
What’s the difference between talking to a counsellor and just talking to a friend?
Having a close friend or family member to talk to about your problems is extremely beneficial. However, relying on family and friends as your sole support or confidant can sometimes put a strain on a really good relationship.
Family and friends may have a conflict of loyalty, and they may also find it difficult to keep things that you tell them confidential. They may be upset by the things that you tell them, and also may become upset if you do not accept their advice and guidance.
Trained counsellors, are firstly bound by a professional code of conduct relating to confidentiality. They also have professional training and supports which helps them to deal with difficult and upsetting situations, so you can confidently share all aspects of your life without worry.
What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
The terms counselling and psychotherapy are interchangeable. The difference is that counselling is often carried out over a shorter period and focuses on resolving current issues. Psychotherapy is a longer-term deeper process that helps identify and explore emotional and psychological aspects that are rooted in the presenting issue. Both approaches can assist in increasing awareness, insight and understanding and will depend on what process would suit you best at this time in your life.
How much does counselling cost?
Face to face and Online sessions cost €60.00 for 55 minutes for individuals and €80.00 for couples (80 minuutes)
Send me a message via the contact page, call/ text me on 087 6488551 or email me on evelyn@serenity-psychotherapy.ie. I will reply within 24 hours Monday to Friday.
What if I must cancel or reschedule a session?
There is no problem with cancelling or rescheduling a session. However, I do charge half fee for less than 48 hours’ notice as I feel that this would not be sufficient notice of my availability to give another client. If I have a free slot in the same week that you can use, there is no cancellation charge. Within 24 hours, the full fee is charable (emergencies excluded).
I live in another country; will you still take me on as a client?
Yes. There are no geographical boundaries. Although if there is a significant time difference, we will need to coordinate to ensure that a suitable time is found for both of us.
I am based in The Health Hub, Loughrea, Co Galway. The Eircode for The Health Hub is H62 N206.
Sessions are also available online if so desired.
I have recently undergone specialist training to enable me to work with teenagers from ages 13 to 18 years. Appointments can be made by the parent/guardian of the adolescent. For the initial session it is mandatory that the parents/guardians attend also. If you need any further information in this service, please feel free to contact me.
The Eircode for The Health Hub is H62 N206. There is a front door entrance on Main Street (beside Stir Fry Chinese Restaurant). If you wish to use this entrance, just press the buzzer on arrival and I will answer and let you in.
If you are driving, there is another entrance around the back with free parking. To access this entrance, drive down Abbey Lane about 100m and you will see a large sign for The Health Hub on your left hand side. Drive in there and park in any of ‘The Health Hub’ allocated parking spots. You can enter the building via the back door at the top of the carpark. This door will be unlocked. Come up the stairs/lift to the first floor and I will greet you there and guide you into the therapy room.