Leah ConnellyCounselling in Yateley, Camberley, Farnborough, Fleet and surrounding areas

Why come to counselling?

Through the counselling process, the hope is to identify emotions and responses as well as repeated patterns of behaviour that have, or continue to impact your life. As humans we are creatures of habit and we often unknowingly repeat patterns of behaviours. By talking and exploring with me in sessions you will become aware of these patterns and you can gain personal insight and self awareness enabling you to change the way you think about yourself, the way you experience life and the relationships you have with others.

To find out a little more about what happens in therapy and how therapists work, follow this link to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), of which I am a member.

Why do I need counselling?

Personal counselling providing a professional and confidential service to individuals. Counselling supports us with all aspects and in all stages of our life and taking time to discuss what is happening, may help you find a path through difficult and distressing times.

The aim of is to offer a safe and sensitive space for you to explore your issues, life and feelings. You may find it difficult to share these feelings with family of friends for fear of burdening them, or maybe you feel they may judge you or it might be that they offer advice when what you really want is to be listened too. I offer an environment that is neutral and confidential, counselling is a reflective space to help you make sense of life events and to help you deepen your understanding of yourself and those around you.

The most important aspect of counselling is the relationship between you and the counsellor. I am committed to valuing your experience and facilitating you to find the solutions to your problems through building your trust in yourself and your judgement. I believe we're all unique, there is no 'normal' and we all have different experiences growing up and in our adult lives. By exploring how you feel and your experiences you can begin to understand what your life means to you and this encourages self-acceptance, self-assurance and self-confidence.

I'm busy with work and family commitments during the day, do you have evening or earlier morning appointments?

Yes I do, I understand that our lives are very busy. Subject to availability I have appointments before normal office hours of 9-5 both in the morning and evening.

How long will I be in counselling for?

Open ended work has no time limit and working through what you feel you want and need to bring to your sessions will eventually lead to a natural ending. Open-ended work is about developing personal insight and understanding with the view of changing the way we think about ourselves, the way we experience life and the relationships we have with others.

Brief time limited therapy has a set number of sessions and we are working with an ending in mind from the beginning of our work together. Time-limited work usually focuses on a specific problem and how this can be managed.


How often will we meet and for how long?

For therapy to be most effective it is best to meet weekly at the same agreed time and day each week. Each session will last for 50 minutes. I can offer some flexibility regarding the agreed time as I do understand some people work different shifts etc but this is dependant upon availability.

Does therapy suit everyone?

The simple answer is no. However the initial consultation gives you the opportunity to explore how this may feel for you. It will help you decide if you feel 'talking therapy' is right for you and also very importantly that you feel that you can work with me. The majority of individuals who go into therapy feel the benefits quite early on, however therapy may not be everyone’s choice and it may be that after the initial consultation you may feel you do not want to continue.

Fees

Sessions are £50 for individuals but I do offer some concessions.


How can I get the most from my counselling?

Personal commitment is important, counselling isn't 'done to you' and I can't give you the answers but by working together you can start understanding yourself more and you will start to gain more and more from the counselling process.

Examples of issues for counselling.

Work-life balance

It may be that you feel very successful in your life, your family and your careers yet still you feel unfulfilled in life.

Bereavement

Grief is a natural response to losing someone and there is no right or wrong way to grieve, we are unique individuals with unique relationships. There is no set path or time line to grief, bereavement counselling gives you the opportunity to explore your emotions without guilt or the common concern of burdening those around you.

Life limiting illness or terminal illness

Living with a serious illness affects people differently. There can be a range of emotions, for example from hopeful, overwhelmed, isolated, vulnerable and angry. Close relationships, roles and intimacy can all be affected, counselling may be of help to those living with life limiting illness but also family members, friends and carers.

Sex/Sexuality/Gender

I offer an non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings whether that be sexuality/asexuality/sexual fluidity, gender identity (e.g. trans/non binary), monogamy vs polyamory etc.

Counselling and psychotherapy in Hampshire and Surrey within easy reach in the local area providing counselling in Aldershot, counselling in Farnham, counselling in Fleet, Church Crookham, Wrecclesham, Lower Bourne, Runfold, Badshot Lea, Tongham, Ash Vale, Weybourne, Upper Hale, Farnborough, Alton, Bentley, Godalming, Camberley, in Woking and Guildford.