Journeying Possibilities

FINDING A COUNSELLOR

There are lots of different ways to find a counsellor. Some people start by asking friends, colleagues or trusted health workers for a recommendation. Other people do background reading on different types of counselling or therapy approaches. No matter how much you find out about a particular counsellor beforehand, the first sessions will always be a time to check out whether this is a person who you can trust and respect. If, at any time you wish to stop going to counselling, you don’t have to justify this to your counsellor. It is completely your decision. You may also want to consider some of my friends' practices here.

Meeting up for the first time

You are welcome to look at some of my work on this Facebook page, as well as interview me over tea and coffee to see if I would be suitable for the hopes you have for in the therapy/ supervision, or just have an inquiry via a message.  

If you would like to go straight into it, our first meeting will talk about your hopes, how frequent we'll meet and ways of communicating and working together that would be most helpful to you. This could be weekly session at somewhere you are comfortable with, your home, office or a quiet cafe. The location may evolve depending on the way our therapy has taken off and the people you've decided to include in.  

If you see something that strikes you from my page that you think could be helpful, do let me know. But if not or have not looked at the website, no worries, I will discuss with you some of my ways of working.

Some people prefer to attend counselling on their own. Others prefer to bring a good friend along with them, or their partner, or someone from their family. Sometimes whole families want someone to have conversations with, and some people prefer to attend group counselling.

• Is there anyone you would like to bring to counselling who would be a support for you?

philosophy for therapy

As a therapist or supervisor, i aim to be collaborative, sex-positive, queer affirming, creative and respectful to your identity, values and journey in life. I believe that our society of shame, guilt and loneliness has affected our lives in so many ways.  

As co-editors of your stories, i will co-narrate your stories in ways that strengthen and support. This could also involve linking to a circle of support or ways of being that are meaningful to you, rituals that have cultural or individual significance. If you are new to the helping others, we could involve more hands on learning to reflect and refine your ways of helping. We will review the session at the end of each one; and review our partnership every 4 sessions. 

As an experienced case worker, i am used to working with multiple systems and on various aspects of you and your family’s lives. We can collaborate on various strategies that extends to getting other support including institutions, family, relatives and other organisations. 

Everyone's readiness and pace is different. I understand that life can be difficult, and i offer closer assistance and support to take certain steps if you require it, for the extra courage and confidence; especially if alternative support is not accessible.

Safe Space for therapy

Many people request for therapy at their homes, especially when the request is made in relation to concerns in relationships or for a loved one, because of difficulties in having the session in the office or comfort and safety in their own homes. It often baffles me that local counsellors often reject requests for home visits. In situations where you feel safer or more comfortable in another place, we can explore alternative venues. As the therapy progresses, you and i may decide to take the session to a place of significance or even if you need some practical support in terms of taking the next steps towards your hopes and goals. This could include places in the community, places you used to enjoy going to and hold memories for you, a new club/team you want to join, an art studio, or even institutions (government/ community).

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

There are also some practical responsibilities that support the counselling process. We’d really appreciate it if you could:
• Please try to ensure that you are on time for appointments as sessions cannot be extended to accommodate late starts.
• Please try to give us at least 24 hours notice of cancellations. Otherwise, unfortunately, a cancellation fee may apply.