Q&A
Your questions answered
What is Counselling to Gentle Thoughts? Gentle Thoughts approach to therapy involves using a range of talking therapies. I aim to express impartial, non-judgemental thoughts, assisting and encouraging you to talk openly about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. I work respectfully, aiming to work effectively in collaboration with clients.
What do we do? Gentle Thoughts offers therapeutic support to clients who wish to explore any issues they may have, working together I help you develop skills which allow you to control your life not allow your life control you. I offer talking therapies for individual clients, as well as offer creative therapy. Together we will find solutions which will suit your needs.
Who do we see? Gentle Thoughts Counselling support adults, children and young people. Please contact me should you need any other service and I will gladly try to accommodate you or refer you to another agency. (Gentle Thoughts Counselling has good working relationships with other therapists and agencies and if necessary will help find someone more suitable to you and your needs).
What happens in a Gentle Thoughts Counselling session? Your initial appointment will involve an assessment, this involves discussing what counselling is and what you would like to gain from your therapy, as well as answering any questions you or your counsellor may have regarding your sessions. The assessment covers the settings of dates and times of sessions, how and when both therapist and client can be contacted, the limits of confidentiality, determine the nature of the relationship and any other terms you wish to be included within the therapeutic relationship. This agreement will be signed by both parties and can be referred to, amended and added to throughout the working relationship. This is not a legally binding contract but a way of finding what works within our relationship and shows mutual respect throughout your therapy. When receiving video chat and telephone sessions you will receive your contract via email prior to the session so we can explore it together when we join the call. Future sessions may involve simply talking, working out strategies, making plans, working creatively, exploring mindfulness or finding other tools aimed at supporting you.
Where will sessions take place? Sessions will be either face to face, via video chat or telephone. *Face to face sessions will be held at Enterprise House in County Durham
What if I’m unhappy? I strive to provide my clients with the best support possible but should you be unhappy with the service please let me know and we will work together to resolve the issue. If this is not something you feel you could do, you will be provided with information of my governing body who will help you further.
What will it cost me? Counselling sessions cost £55 per counselling hour. I offer current trainee Counsellors and Therapists working within Charity Organisations therapy sessions at a rate of £40 (proof must be provided).
1-1 Clinical Supervision sessions are £50 for 45mins, £55 for 60mins and £70 for 90mins. Current trainee Counsellors. Current student counsellors are offered discounts.
How do I book a session? You can contact me and book direct. *payment is required at time of booking, refunds are available with 24 hours notice. If less than 24 hours the charges are non-refundable. If booking via other means payment must be 48hrs prior to sessions.
What issues do you support?
Anxiety & Depression are on the increase and having extensive knowledge as well as experience in these areas has given me the ability to support and work with clients confidently. By working with your feelings, fears and emotions as well as looking at how you live with, manage or cope with your issues in your every day life, we can look at how your issues are unique to you and only similar to others due to the label Anxiety or Depression. We will discover what skills and strategies are suited to you which will help you recognise signals and triggers which may cause an increase in your anxious or depressive states.
With loss, bereavement and grief, we feel we are on our own, and while no one else will be feeling the way you feel as this is unique to you, we can explore your grief. Our dearly loves ones will never leave our hearts, there will always be the shape of them stamped into our hearts and souls but together we can find ways in which you can live your life with them still in your heart and memories without having to leave them behind. On the other hand, we sometimes need to detach ourselves from someone who has left you hurt, upset, angry or many of the other emotions we feel when we experience the loss of someone and we can also work on this together.
Not only do I work with the above issues, I have experience working with many others including school issues such as but not exclusively, attendance, bullying and peer issues, family and friendships issues, health issues including life limiting conditions, women’s issues, LGBT+, divorce, self-confidence to name a few.
Our relationships develop in ways in which we allow them to and occassionally we stumble a bit along the way and may need to find ways in which we can nurture our relationships, giving them the chance to blossom. Sometimes we are stuck not knowing which way to go or how to be within our relationships with our family/friends or partners and by exploring this we can find ways in which you can live a happier, calmer more loving way.
There are many different things that affect our way of thinking, feeling and reacting whether physically or emotionally and we can work through whatever it may be that is affecting your way of living, whether you know what it is or whether you would like help to discover what the reason may be.
What Clinical Supervision do you provide? I provide 1-1 Clinical Supervision. All supervision sessions are colleagial following an Integrative model. If you prefer or would like to try, we can work creatively within our Supervision sessions using art, sand, clay, cards or other creative tools which you may like to experience. I also offer group supervision as well as peer group support and skills share groups.
I have experience working with adults and CYP so I am able to support you in all age ranges.
What are your credentials?
I have a Batchelor of Arts in Counselling and a Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People. I have a Diploma in Online and Telephone Counselling and have a Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Supervision
I am constantly updating my CPD Portfolio and have certificates in Creative Counselling methods, REWIND Technique, Walk and Talking Ecotherapy, Safeguarding, Infant Loss, Parent Led Child CBT to name a few
I am an Accredited Member of NCPS, a Professional Member of Creative Counsellors©️ as well as being their northeast Ambassador (join the free facebook community or join the membership hub where you will find hours of CPD including creative interventions, safeguarding, walk and talk therapy and many more..)
I am also the creator of WorryBuddies®️ (follow their adventures on Instagram) and have contributed to the book Creative Counselling by Tanja Sharpe (available on Amazon)
*discount is offered for current student counsellors, proof of study and governing body membership is required
** group supervision is charged proportionately
*** peer group support and skills share groups are charged to cover running costs and materials
Gentle Thoughts Counselling 